Coaldale 5K Family Fun Run holds kick-off ahead of virtual event this month

Video by ITB Coaldale

“As race organizers, we didn’t even know what a virtual run would entail, so we decided to create these video posts to raise awareness about this event and to highlight some of our sponsors,” said Melanie Harthoorn, race organizer.

“Ultimately, it just became a way for us to infuse some fun comraderies into our community, especially at a time maybe when tensions are running a bit high.”

Anyone looking to sign up for the run can do so online here, until April 16. In-person registration can also be done until April 17, at Coaldale Christian School and Runners Soul in Lethbridge.

Participants can run solo or with members of their cohort. Registration for adults is $20 and $10 for children, with $2 from every entry going to support the Segue Women’s Home in Lethbridge.

READ MORE: Kaleidoscope of Love: Inside the Segue Women’s House

Proceeds will also go to help with ‘community enhancement projects’ in the region.

The race week, where participants can get active outside, takes place from April 19-26.

The shift to a virtual model has allowed organizers to expand the Fun Run from one day to a full week. It’s also expanded the amount of people that can take part.

“Even though we can’t participate as a big group this year, we can still be a part of a community,” Harthoorn said.

“Actually, we have people from all over the world participating, as far as away as South Africa, Australia, Holland, all over the world. We can still be a part of a fun group.”

Harthoorn said that usually, the event sees upwards of 700 people. This year, they’re hoping to hit the 1,000 mark.

Every entrant will receive a package that includes a Fun Run buff and a special booklet commemorating the last 10 years of the Coaldale 5K Family Fun Run.

“Especially with everything that’s going on right now, it’s a really fun way for families to get outside. You can get some exercise; it’s a really fun event for the community, a lot of families enjoy it, lots of kids, so we’re pretty proud to sponsor it,” said Randy Vanseters, with Intercontinental Truck Body (ITB), an event sponsor.

Vanseters was one of the sponsors who donned a dinosaur costume for Wednesday’s kick-off, alongside Sam Vanseters with Bethel Windows & Doors, and Rob Harthoorn with Adora Kitchens Ltd.

Randy Vanseters (left) and Sam Vanseters before their run (Lethbridge News Now)

“The times are pretty tough, so it’s always good to infuse some positivity back into the community,” Sam Vanseters said, adding the move to a virtual run is a great way to keep the event going while ensuring everyone’s safety.

On the donation to Segue Women’s Home, Rob Harthoorn said, “it’s a great cause and we can help bring a light to that organization [and that] is good for us.”

As far as running in the dinosaur costume, he had this to say.

“They’re a little bit restrictive in the dinosaur costume but as we wrapped around the corner, we hiked up the legs a little bit and we just took off, so it was pretty fun.”

A winner to the trio’s fun race was not determined.

More details on the Coaldale 5K Family Fun Run is available here.

by Justin Goulet

Coaldale 5K Family Fun Run holds kick-off ahead of virtual event this month

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