Local club prepares for community-minded fundraiser

CORNWALL (Oct. 22, 2013) – It’s time to lace up your sneakers for one of the community’s most-anticipated running events.

“It’s the people who make this event so special,” said Wendy Henry, who coordinates it on behalf of its host organizer, the Cornwall Multisport Club. “It’s about the people who choose to run or walk it, the volunteers, definitely our whole community.

“It would not be successful without their participation, and they’re what make it such a truly special run.”

More than $61,000 has been raised for community initiatives since the run first took place in 2009. Among those organizations that have benefitted from the generosity of participants are Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Arrive Alive, Agape Centre and the Boys’ and Girls’ Club of Cornwall and S, D &G.

“This year the recipient will again be Arrive Alive,” continued Henry. “The charity of choice is chosen each year by the Saaltink family in memory of their daughter, Heather.

“This year they’ve again chosen Arrive Alive as it brings home the message of not drinking and driving, something which is particularly mindful as we head into the festive season.”

The run will take place on Saturday, Nov. 2 at the Longue Sault Public School, in Long Sault. Participants can choose from either a 2 or 5 km run and/or walk, or a 10km run. Events for the 5 and 10 km runs begin at 10 a.m., while the 2 km kicks-off at 11:15 a.m. Registration is capped-at 500 participants, and is already hovering around the 400-number mark. This number includes runners from Upper New York State, Toronto, Mississauga and eastern Ontario.

There is no registration fee; however, participants are requested to make a donation to the charity. Medals are awarded to the top three males and females in each event, there are prizes, plus everyone receives a hot lunch post-run.

To register, visit http://www.cornwallmultisportclub.com/hsmemorial.shtml

Henry stressed the event could not take place without the support of the Township of South Stormont, as well as the United Counties’ of S, D & G. In addition, the event is officially timed by Sportstats, something which bodes well for runners keen on accuracy as they cross the finish line.

“Our roads are closed to traffic, something which is unique for many running events,” she stated. “This could not be done without the support of the community and our wonderful volunteers. We’re also very fortunate to be able to use Longue Sault Public School as the host facility for our event.

“We’re looking forward to having everyone come out and enjoy this very special day.”