On Apr. 12, it’s the 14th Annual Coaldale 5K Family Fun Run, which started in 2011 at Coaldale Christian School.
“I was still a kid in school when it started,” says Marketing Director Jacob Wiebe. “My wife and I decided to take on the coordinator roles once the previous ones were kind of retiring from it. We thought it was so good for the community.”
“This is now our third year. We have over 500 runners come every year steadily,” adds Wiebe. “The participation has been very well-received.”
The run also gives back to the community, according to Wiebe. “The run itself is great to encourage outdoor activity with your family and friends to go out and challenge each other or just go for a nice walk. But the giving back part is huge.”
Wiebe notes $2 from every entry goes to a local charity. “This year, it’s going towards the Coaldale Community Food Bank.”
Proceeds from the annual run will also go to local groups that are active in the community and need funding for playground upgrades, revitalization or expansions.
“We try to focus on giving back to areas, which encourage outdoor physical activity,” adds Wiebe. “We like to make sure our town has sufficient opportunities to do so. We have the run to encourage it and we give back to areas where that might also encourage other outdoor activity.”
Wiebe would like to encourage southern Albertans to come out and have a good time. “Challenge yourself, challenge your friends or just take your kids for a walk.”
To register or for more information visit racepro.ca/coaldale. Deadline to register is Apr. 11. The run starts at 10 a.m.