Mothers, daughters, aunts, grandmothers, sisters and girlfriends will lace up their runners this Saturday for the second annual Only Women’s Fitness Fun Run.
More than 475 female participants ranging in age from six-months to 75 years are registered to run/walk in the 1km, 3km and 5km races; as well as the Little Ladies in the 500m and 100m Diaper Dash. The event will be held at the River Bend Golf and Recreation Area.
“The event is so much more than a fun run,” said Val Jensen, event coordinator. “Between your scrumptious brunch, the toddler diaper dash and our diverse market area, our ladies can make a day out of all the activities.”
There will also be close to $10,000 in draw prizes up for grabs at the event. For the competitive 5km runners there will be $500 awarded in cash prizes.
Nicole Manchur and her daughter participated in last year’s event.
“I was nine months pregnant with my son during last year’s race and my daughter, Ivy, who was just over 15-months-old and I did the Diaper Dash. She was the youngest participant in the race,” she said. “I wanted to participate because I thought it would be something fun for us girls to do.”
Manchur, who was planning on doing the 3km race this year, broke her foot last week and won’t be able to participate, but she is encouraging others to get involved.
“It’s a beautiful course this year and very scenic. There will be lots of other activities going on for the whole family.”
Chris Engel also participated in the race last year and has rallied the women in her life for a repeat performance. This year she’ll be joined by her two daughters, mom, mother-in-law, sister-in-law and two nieces.
“My girls have been talking about it since Christmas and I could not think of a better way to spend Mother’s Day weekend,” she said.
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Family Services of Central Alberta. Donations can be made during the registration process or by downloading a pledge form.
Online registration for the event remains open until midnight on May 9th. Walk up registrations will also be accepted on race/run day.
“I was truly moved last year as I watched our community come together for women of all generations to get moving, feel great and support each other. Physical fitness is so important to women’s physical and mental health making us all better mothers, daughters and friends. That’s what this day is all about,” said Jensen.
To register visit www.onlywomensrd.ca or www.fsca.ca.
efawcett@reddeerexpress.com
