Preparations under way for Poutmaster’s Fishing Derby
Runners, get ready to head for the starting line for the Annual Russell Fun Run next month.
The annual community spring recreational event hits the ground running May 13 at the Russell High School track field. Featuring both a one-kilometre introductory run for children and those new to running, and a five-kilometre fun challenge event for those who want to push themselves a bit more, the annual Fun Run has become a very popular event since it began eight years ago. This year, noted Tom Huismann, event coordinator, the Fun Run is linked to ParticipACTION’s special Canada150 anniversary health and fitness promotion.
“ParticipACTION has their 150 ‘play list’,” Huismann said, adding that the Fun Run is now affiliated with the list of the top 150 types of recreational and sports-related activities that Canadians enjoy doing for fun and good health.
The run itself is part of the Russell Community Sports Club’s Running Club program and has additional sponsor support from Strength Craze and Russell Pro. The focus of the event continues to be promoting physical activity and healthy living with emphasis on having fun.
The Fun Run tradition of supporting charities and community projects also continues. For the third consecutive year proceeds from the event’s fundraising activities will go toward the Russell KinClub’s sports
Le annuel aura lieu le 13 mai sur la piste du Tous, peu importe leur âge ou leur condition physique, sont invités à participer à cette course, qui se veut une collecte de fonds pour le projet du dôme sportif. Preparations are well under way for the Kin Club of Russell’s Poutmasters Fishing Derby to be held the weekend of May 5 to 7. On top of the hundreds of prizes available, anglers of all ages will also have a chance to win a canoe or a kayak!
The 2017 tournament opens Friday at 4:30 p.m. and closes Sunday at 12:30 p.m. This year, participants must register before noon Saturday.
Fish must be caught from the Castor River and also be alive and weighed between opening and closing times of tournament, at the Russell Dam site.
Every angler (paid entrant) who catches a fish will have an entry for the grand prizes, which are a canoe or a kayak.
Registrations can be done online at www. poutmasters.com, or in person in Russell (Pronto RJ’s Convenience, Barry’s Home Hardware), Embrun (Dépanneur Pierre et Fils) or Metcalfe (Metcalfe Variety).
Adults 13 and over pay $10 each, youth (12 years and under) $5, and families (with at least two under the age of 20) $20.
This year, Poutmasters has added a pledge component to the event, to help build the new Russell Sports Dome.
ledge forms can be downloaded prior to the event, to get pledges from friends, family, dome project for the future benefit of all residents of Russell Township.
“It’s a great community initiative,” Huismann said, regarding the sports dome project.
The Fun Run begins with the 1.2-kilometre Kids Run at 9 a.m. on the high school track field. Following half an hour later is the start of the five-kilometre Road Race which follows a route from the high school along village streets and the nature trail to finish again at the high school.
“We’re looking forward to another successful run,” said Huismann.
Details are available at www.russellcommunitysportsclub.ca. businesses and going door to door.
All Poutmaster entrants turning in pledge forms ($20 or more) will receive a ticket for a free hamburger or hot dog and a beverage at the Kin Club of Russell’s Poutmasters Fishing Derby.
All pledge forms over $50 will have their Poutmasters registration fee returned.
There will also be prizes for the top three highest pledge sheets.
Prizes will be awarded Sunday by the Kin Club of Russell at their closing Poutmasters ceremony, which will be held upstairs at the Russell Arena at 1:30 p.m.
For more information, interested parties may contact Steve Thorne 613-327-0178, steve_thorne38@icloud.com.