The Harvest Run has encouraged Red Deerians to exercise throughout the city for three decades.
That tradition will continue this Sunday as the family-friendly run, hosted by the Red Deer Runners, will celebrate its 30th anniversary.
“Our goal has always been to promote health living in central Alberta,” said Otto Stepanik, Harvest Run chairperson.
“We are trying to attract participants of all ages, whether they are competitive runners or beginners, and especially families.”
This year’s Harvest Run will begin at the corner of 45 Street and 47 Avenue in the city’s Capstone’s neighbourhood for the second straight year. There will be a 3K walk/run and an 8K run that participants can join – both begin at 9 a.m.
“The Capstone location was received well. It’s right on the trail, then we run along the trails – it’s beautiful on the eight-kilometre and three-kilometre (runs),” said Stepanik.
This is the second year Stepanik is serving as the run’s chairperson, but he had been a member of the organizing committee for years before that. He has also been participating in the Harvest Run since 1996.
“It’s very nice to have a run with that longevity in Red Deer,” he said, saying the event has grown over the years.
“We always have a good number of excited participants. We are able to make it a nice morning of running and cheering each other on with family and friends. It’s a celebration of fitness. Some people come in with a goal, others come with their family and say, ‘Let’s give it a try.’”
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the run would bring in 300-400 participants. Last year, there were 200-plus runners and this year is expected to bring in a similar number of people.
Stepanik said the Harvest Run wouldn’t be possible without its volunteers and sponsors. The run’s 2022 presenting sponsor is Elite Chiropractic and Sports Medicine.
Any extra money raised through the run will go towards the Red Deer Runners Athletic Bursary program, which supports runners between the ages of 12 and 22.
“The bursary money can enable them to compete at higher levels, even the national levels,” said Stepanik.
This Sunday’s 8K run will feature cash prizes for the three fastest male and female participants. Additionally, there will be draw prizes at the event.
Online registration will close at the end of the day Tuesday. But people can still register in person on the day of the race. For more information, or to register, visit www.harvestrun.org.
sean.mcintosh@reddeeradvocate.com
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