ESTEVAN — The Coal Country Run, a popular annual fundraiser, once again drew a large crowd of participants and supporters, all in aid of the Fresh Air Fitness initiative.
The event, held on May 25 at Woodlawn Regional Park – two weeks later than usual, saw significant turnout despite coinciding with other major community events.
This year's Coal Country Run featured a variety of activities, including 5K and 10K runs and a cycling event. In total, 119 participants registered, with 75 in the 5K, 25 in the 10K, and 19 cyclists. The event also included a Mini Mile with over 30 children participating. They were also delighted by the addition of bouncy castles and complimentary ice cream cones, courtesy of the Canuckade and the Cherry on Top.
"The weather makes a huge difference, especially with cycling," said Debbie Knight, who organizes the event and runs Fresh Air Fitness alongside Peggy Rohatyn.
The runners' and cyclists' time was recorded upon them crossing the finish line, and the fastest were presented with awards, followed by lunch at the park.
The fundraiser also included a smaller trade show with a few southeast vendors, though the number of participants was slightly down from previous years. Volunteers from Broken Arrow Ranch and a couple of other local organizations contributed their time and resources to ensure the event's success.
Fresh Air Fitness, the beneficiary of the fundraiser, has several exciting projects lined up for the coming year. These include the installation of a regular-sized volleyball court, a disc golf course, and additional improvements to existing facilities, such as new cargo nets for climbing apparatuses. The parking lot was recently renovated by the Woodlawn Regional Park.
Fresh Air Fitness, a free outdoor gym at Woodlawn park, is a big part of our community, providing outdoor fitness opportunities for people of all ages.
Knight said they see a lot of use from both kids and adults, and it's great to see the space continue to evolve and improve.
The Coal Country Run has been a staple in the community for 17 years, growing each year thanks to the dedication of a core group of volunteers and the support of local residents. This year's event, despite the date change and competing local activities, reaffirmed its status as a beloved community tradition.
Knight noted that they were happy with how things turned out, pointing out that their dedicated volunteers, participants and supporters make all the difference.
For more information on Fresh Air Fitness and future events, follow them on Facebook.
