About 1,000 Red Deerians who were looking to get active gathered at Canada 150 Square in the Capstone neighbourhood for the 12th annual PCN Fun Run.
“The event is about movement, community and connection,” explained Bre Fitzpatrick, race director.
“Having all of the families and runners out is just awesome. … We know there are so many connections with your mental health and physical health. We want to keep our bodies movies – that’s what we’re about.”
The run originally began as a women’s event, but has since grown to include everyone. The event held on Saturday featured 10K, 5K, 3K and 1K walk/run events, a 3K dog jog, and short runs for young children and toddlers.
The oldest participant was 91 years old, Fitzpatrick noted.
“We have all ages, genders and abilities. You don’t have to be perfect to take part in our run. But if you are a competitive runner, there’s a space here for you too,” she said.
“We have a great community. Some of our volunteers were here until 11 o’clock (Friday) night making sure the site was perfect for people to enjoy today. There are so many who make this happen.”
The City of Red Deer’s Xplore Sport Day was held at the same time and location as the PCN Fun Run.
Xplore Sport Day is described as a celebration of sport and offered Red Deerians of all ages the opportunity to try out a variety of sport and recreation activities available in the city.
“We put on an event about movement and wellness today. They have groups there that can help us carry that energy all year. There’s really a nice harmony between the events,” said Fitzpatrick.
PJ Swales, City of Red Deer sport and recreation co-ordinator, said Xplore Sport Day brought 34 sporting organizations to the one location.
“It gives the community an opportunity to check out what’s happening in the city. This isn’t all of the groups in Red Deer, but this is a place where you can meet up with a bunch of them to learn about their practices, where they play and what it takes to be part of their sport and organization,” Swales said.
“To bring everybody together for one morning one day a year to celebrate activity, community and having fun really works out well. It makes both Xplore Sport Day and the PCN Fun Run bigger and better than they’d be on their own.”
sean.mcintosh@reddeeradvocate.com
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