A 5K run with a twist
Now in its 24th year, the run is a means of raising money for a good cause, but it’s also a means of connecting with other members of the community for some fun and a bit of exercise.
In just over two weeks, in our quiet border town of Stanstead, people of all ages will be lacing up their running shoes and donning their athletic wear for our lively annual 5K Run.
Now in its 24th year, the run is a means of raising money for a good cause, but it’s also a means of connecting with other members of the community for some fun and a bit of exercise. On the occasion of Phelps Helps 10th anniversary, last year’s 5K enjoyed a record 223 runners, including 91-year-old Jean Bernaquez who has participated in the run since its inception in 2000.
This year’s run is in many ways similar to last year’s with both a 5-kilometre course and a fun “colour” run. The 5k run is a standard course along a flat trail with medals for the top runners in all age groups whereas the fun run has the option of being a 2k or 5k loop.
Record times for this race are held by Francois Menard-kilrane in 2008 with the time of 15 minutes and 26 seconds in the male divisions and by Mary-lou Butterfield in 2017 with the time of 18 minutes and 44 seconds in the female divisions.
As with last year, we will also have a fun run, or the “colour run,” so named because of the festive multicoloured chalk used to festoon the runners. The colour run will again consist of four different stations that will include obstacle courses, bubbles and water guns (weather permitting!). To add even more of a twist, participants are encouraged to wear costumes and anyone wearing a costume is entitled to an extra raffle ticket.
The cost to register is $15 for adults and $5 for 5-17yrs, with a discount for families. The money raised goes to Phelps Helps’ educational and career support. All this is organized by Phelps Helps in collaboration with Michael Sudlow, the race’s founder, and our local elementary and high schools, as well as Bishop’s College School and Stanstead College.
Anyone interested can register on the day of from 9 –9:45 a.m. (cash only), or they can register ahead of time at https://www.phelpshelps. ca/5krun. The race starts at 10 am. Wear white or wear a costume and bring your sunglasses. There will be eco-friendly water stations available this year. See you at the races!
Phelps Helps is a community-led non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children, teens and young adults in Stanstead, Quebec and its surrounding areas. Through a range of free, tailored programs and initiatives, Phelps Helps supports educational achievement, careers, youth development and more. Its focus on collaboration and community engagement ensures lasting, positive change for a brighter future. For more information or to volunteer, please email us at info@ phelpshelps.ca, visit our website www.phelpshelps.ca or call us on 819-704-0799.