To help bring awareness and raise funds for mental health, Rita’s Run returns May 25. The 5K or 10K run or walk is back with proceeds to be donated to the Southern Alberta Self-Help Association.
“The greatest thing about this race is there are no hills. We stay down in the river bottom. It’s a nice, beautiful, flat and scenic course. It’s a great day,” says race committee member Sandra Asuchak.
Rita’s Run began in 2019 in honour of Sandra’s sister Rita, who took her own life in 2002. “She suffered from depression and bipolar disorder. It’s a way to commemorate her memory and legacy.”
The first run was held in-person and the second run was cancelled due to the pandemic. “We did a virtual one that year. The third one we did in-person. Those three events – we donated all the proceeds to the Canadian Mental Health Association. The total we donated from those three events was $45,000,” adds Asuchak. This year, the committee is excited to be partnering with SASHA.
Last year, Rita’s Run had a great turnout with just under 450 registrants, says Asuchak. “We are creeping up to that. We are so close. We would love to meet or hopefully exceed that number.”
“We’re going to cap it at 500. We would love to have a full river bottom.”
To register or to donate check out Rita’s Run 2024 on Facebook and other social media platforms or visit raceroster.com and type in “Rita’s Run.” For more information, e-mail [email protected].
Rita’s Run begins down at Indian Battle Park at the Elk’s Compound at 9 a.m. The run is stroller-friendly, but no dogs are allowed.