Transplant Trot on its way to Westville

Residents of Pictou County, young and old, are encouraged to visit Victoria Park in Westville. The inaugural Transplant Trot will be taking place, featuring several running routes between Victoria and Acadia Park – all done to raise awareness of how crucially important organ donors are.

The Oct. 13 event is “a run or walk, with a 5K or 10K route,” said Cindy Osmond, director of the Nova Scotia board of the Canadian Transplant Association.

Osmond added there was also a children’s 1K route.

“The Canadian Transplant Association’s mission is to raise awareness about organ donation and promote healthy living after organ donation,” said Osmond.

The association, a crosscountry group, has recently established its Nova Scotia board – which is why the event will be taking place in Westville.

Osmond, who served previously as a member of the New Brunswick board, said it’s exciting to have their own Nova Scotia board and to be organizing the first iteration of the Transplant Trot in Pictou County.

“There are 30 trots across Canada yearly,” said Osmond. “Up until this year, there was only a New Brunswick board (in Atlantic Canada). They’re working on establishing one in PEI right now, too.”

The Transplant Trot will start in Victoria Park, and its routes will bring participants to Acadia Park, where the Trot will end.

“The run goes between the two parks,” said Osmond, who added there will be an educational aspect to the run, to raise awareness, with pamphlets in the run kits about the Canadian Transplant Association, how to become a member – and most importantly –how to sign up to become an organ donor. Registration:

● $30 for adults

● $25 for youth (Age 12-17)

● $15 for children (

Pre-registration is available at the Running Room. Race kit pickup and registration will also be available at Victoria Park from 4-5:30 p.m. on Oct. 13.

Registered runners will receive a free t-shirt. Strollers and pets (on leash) are welcome.