Wilderness Walk and Run goes May 27

Registration is ongoing for the fifth annual Fort Macleod Wilderness Walk and Run, May 27.

Preparations for the event have been running smoothly and people have until Sunday to register in order to have shirts included in their race packages. Those who register after Sunday can still take part, but won’t receive a shirt.

“Preparations are going well. We could use more volunteers,” says Stasha Donahue, one of the race directors.

“Our volunteers assist with routing all the trails. They receive a T-shirt for their efforts. We ask them to come the evening before to learn about their role.”

This year, the shirts feature the buffalo logo with a Canadian flag.

As of April 19, there were 171 registrants already for the event. Two registrants are coming from the U.K. to do the half marathon.

“We hope for close to 250 (registrants) this year. Ours is a small event, but grows slowly every year. About 210 registered last year,” adds Donahue.

They aim to host an event that provides an opportunity for walkers and runners of all ages to enjoy the scenic river valley of Fort Macleod while engaging in physical activity.

Also, the event is used as a fundraiser and each year, they choose a different not-for-profit group to receive the funds raised.

This year’s earnings will be given to the Fort Macleod Handi-Bus Society, which provides transportation for seniors, people with disabilities and those who do not have transportation within the community.

“People should partake, because we focus on providing an event that is open to all ranges of walkers and runners,” adds Donahue. “We also donate a portion of proceeds to a local nonprofit … organization each year. Non-profits in small communities do not have as many funding options as they do in the cities, so it is nice to help them out.”

Last year, funds were donated to the MAE Belle Club, a women’s organization in the rural area south of Fort Macleod. A total of $1,100 was given to this group and they used the funds to renovate the community hall.

Donahue says all they ask of non-profit organizations they support is they provide at least six volunteers for the walk/run event.

The cost to partake in the event is $50 a person with all children under the age of 12 paying $20.

Fees for the event are used for a donation to the non-profit group, insurance, chip timing services, food and supplies.

All race director team members are volunteers for the event.

When registering, people have the option to choose five kilometres, 10 km or half marathon. People can walk or run.

There will be handmade ceramic mugs given to the top two male and female finishers in each event as well. People can register online at the events Facebook Page