And the winners are…
The top finishers in the Russell Run from the left are, Owen Johnson, Jacob Hill, Sarah Fothergill, Junelle McClain and Rebecca Greer. Absent from photo: Tim Huebsch. Courtesy photo

Ready, set, go
Approximately 100 runners and walkers came out to participate in the 10th annual Russell Run to help promote the idea of healthy, active living.
Glover photo

RUSSELL – The 10th anniversary of the annual Russell Run brought in over 100 participants of various ages Sat., May 11 to begin embracing the season of healthy, active living.

On top of a 1.2 km run for the small children around the Russell High School track, there was also a 5 km run around the neighbourhood for the whole crowd to participate in.

“It’s a big community event to get everyone, runners and walkers, outside to run together,” said first time organizer Michelle Leduc. “The 5 km run is for adults but there are also some youth participating, we want as many people as possible to get in the healthy spirit.”

Last year, the previous organizer moved out to British Columbia, which made this year’s event a challenge to put together for Leduc.

“This year’s goal is to just keep [the run] going,” she said.

“Keep participation up and going within the community while bringing attention to the benefits of staying active,” volunteer Chris Tuck added.

In previous years, the run has raised money for different causes including the Sports Club and the Russell Run Club but this year, they decided to keep the theme to awareness to active living.

“Obviously, as this all evolves, we’ll be looking at other opportunities to help raise and donate money to worthy causes,” said Tuck. “But this year, it’s just more laid back for people [to] come out for some exercise.”

The top male finishers in the 5 km run were; Jacob Hill, 17:51; Tim Huebsch, 18:03 and Owen Johnson, 20:35. The top female finishers in the 5 km run were; Rebecca Greer, 20:46; Junelle McClain, 22:28 and Sarah Fothergill, 24:55.