Coaldale Family Fun Run goes Saturday

All-ages event has added a team challenge to seventh annual fundraiser

The seventh annual Coaldale fivekilometre Family Fun Run is set for Saturday.

Coleen Van Raalte, marketing coordinator for the event, says planning is coming together nicely. Van Raalte and Melanie Harthoorn, event organizer, have stirred things up in Coaldale this year by challenging businesses and organizations to sign up for the new corporate team challenge.

“It’s a great opportunity to engage with and promote the Town of Coaldale, its services and businesses,” says Van Raalte. “We have been encouraging teams to recruit employees, family and friends and have been reporting their progress on social media.”

So far, the Town of Coaldale office administration has accepted the challenge, as well as the Coaldale and District Emergency Services, Twisted Steel and Stuck by Whitening.

The largest team in this challenge will receive a $250 gift certificate to Franco’s Restaurant and the fastest team will receive an engraved travelling trophy to be displayed at their business for bragging rights.

“Three-year-old children crossed the finish line with no help from mom or dad, albeit with a little rest at the water table at the halfway mark,” points out Van Raalte. “The fun of running in a massive group and the visibility of the finish line for the last kilometre is what keeps them going. The fact it continues to be a chip-timed event is a bonus for those competitors who are seeking to surpass their personal best.”

Last year, there were 277 participants in the race.

Each year, Van Raalte says, the event has grown by roughly five per cent. This year, their goal is to have 300 participants.

This is also used as a fundraising event. The Lethbridge Alzheimer’s Society, which also serves Coaldale residents, will receive a $2 donation from every entry.

Proceeds have also been pledged as the final installment to the Project Playground Coaldale East (PPCE).

“PPCE co-ordinators are encouraging groups or business, interested with topping up their volunteer hours, to help with installation of the playground later this spring. Once complete, this community playground will serve the needs of increasing infrastructure to the east side of Coaldale,” adds Van Raalte.

The event is sponsored by Graham’s Garage Napa Auto Pro in Coaldale and Workman Roofing and Exteriors.

This chip-timed race will start at the Coaldale Christian School at 10 a.m. Saturday and will take a route through scenic rural Coaldale.

Van Raalte says participants can be assured of the safety of the course since this easy-to-follow route is closed to traffic. The entire family can participate by choosing to walk, run, or bring their strollers.

All participants will be entered into a prize draw.

In addition to medals for the fastest three competitors in every category, there will be special prizes awarded to the youngest and oldest participants, as well as the largest family and fastest stroller pusher.

Kim Craig, the mayor of Coaldale, is supportive of this event as well.

“The Town of Coaldale is delighted to be an annual sponsor of this event that encourages families to be active together,” stated Craig in a media release.

“It really is a great way to kick off spring in Coaldale and we encourage everyone to get out and enjoy being active.”