There was something for athletes of all ages and abilities at the Trail Mix Half Marathon and Fun Run in Fort Nelson on Saturday, September 22.
The event, organized by Encana and the Northern Rockies Recreation Department (NRRM), featured a half marathon, a 10-kilometre run, a 5-kilometre run, a 5-kilometre walk, a 1-kilometre run for those between the ages of 8 and 15 and a 500-metre run for kids seven years of age and under.
“The race went very well this year,” said Angela White of Encana, noting that they had 20 more participants than last year for a total of 108 runners and walkers, not to mention over 20 dogs.
Eight brave souls tackled the half marathon.
“The most grueling race, as they have to run the trail twice and there is a very long section of uphill,” said White.
“The weather was absolutely perfect again,” she added.
White explained that the run is part of Encana’s community investment program.
“We focus on funding three priorities: environment, education and community life,” she said. “This run is an opportunity for community members to participate in a community event that promotes health, community spirit and celebrates the beautiful community trail.”
"The NRRM was thrilled to once again work with Encana to put on this annual fun run, which really caters to all ages and abilities,” said Danielle Morine, recreation program manager with the NRRM. “We look forward to offering this community event for years to come."
White remarked that the community spirit aspect of the run is important, but she also emphasized the value of promoting personal fitness.
“Fort Nelson has so many amazing people living here and I've only seen community spirit grow. To have so many volunteers step up to help is huge and tells me that people want to help make events successful,” she White.
“I have seen people training for months for this event,” she continued, “and there are even running clinics that culminate just prior to this race so people can demonstrate their fitness at this event.
“The race is fun, but it is also an opportunity for people to challenge themselves and set goals. There was one runner who set a goal several months ago to run the 10-kilometre and when she crossed the finish line you could just see how happy she was to have achieved her goal.
“I also talked to one boy who ran the 5-kilometre. He was so proud to have ran the distance entirely, as it was the first time he had ever ran that far.
“These stories make it all worthwhile to me.”
