Trenton Run for the Cure bolsters awareness, funds against cancer
Melissa Castonguay had a very productive Sunday. As the Run Director of the Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure in Trenton Park on Sunday, she saw a tremendous amount of support from not only the troupe of volunteers who helped her organize and run the event, but the many participants who were doing some running themselves.
As of Sunday, Castonguay said the local run raised over $30,000 in Pictou County — an amount that put the total funds raised by the event, since its beginning in 2013, at over $200,000.
With enthusiasm, Castonguay said the funds raised will go towards “creating a future without breast cancer.”
With a total turnout of 165 people, this year’s run may have not seen the largest turnout, but “everyone was enthusiastic and happy to be out, so we’ll take it,” said Castonguay, just after the ending of the awards ceremonies.
Participants in the run took one of two routes: a 1 km or 5 km route. The former 1 km rout was a loop around the pond in Trenton Park, while the 5 km route that went through the park’s trail system.
The run began with an opening ceremony and warm-up at 8 a.m. — and was followed by an awards ceremony in the afternoon, when everyone finished. Participants in the run spanned a variety of ages — and even a few non-human friends joined in on the run.
“It was a completely family friendly event, and non-competitive. It was all about supporting the cause,” said Castonguay. “We also had a feature contest for Pink Your Pooch, where dogs participated in their finest pink attire.”
Castonguay said even the weather even cooperated — although it was a little frosty at first, when they set up the event at 5 a.m.
“I just want to say a huge thanks for the help of all our volunteers, participants and sponsors,” said Castonguay. “Without their help we wouldn’t be able to have a day like this — they are all change makers in our community.”