Lace up those new running shoes and throw on your gym shorts, there is a race to run.
The Coal Country Run/Walk is a great way to kick off an active summer by participating in either the five-kilometre or 10-km run. There is even a kids mini mile that will get them flying to the finish line.
Debby Knight, race organizer, is happy to say that the race, now entering its fourth annual year, is growing and they already have more registrants for this year's edition than they had last year. There are still a few weeks to go before the May 14 race.
One perk to pushing your body through the kilometres of roadside is the great view.
"It's a beautiful road along the Roche Percee valley," said Knight. "You can run, you can walk it. Getting out in any way is a good thing."
The race will be following a slightly different route this year that will take a one-km loop around the village of Roche Percee. For those running the five-km race, this change will eliminate a particularly challenging hill.
"We added the loop so the 5Kers don't have to go up that hill. It's a tough hill."
Knight added that for those who do conquer the hill, they do have bragging rights, but each of the racers in the five-kilometre she has talked to has been very happy with the change to the course.
She got the idea to start the local fundraiser after attending a race in Regina.
"I thought, 'Why not do it here?' Now our run has grown each year."
Continued support from Bienfait businesses keeps this race going and raising money for the Bienfait Memorial Arena.
"We have lots of corporate support from the businesses here. They are very generous."
In the first three years, the race has raised $13,000. The arena board makes the decisions about how the money will be spent, but Knight said it usually goes toward the operating cost for the facility.
She said it's a race that is very accommodating to people who are just starting to run and are maybe looking to get involved in more races. The Coal Country Run/Walk is a great place for people who are just starting to race.
"It's a real good, nice, small race. Anyone who wants to give it a try (should come out)."
The children participating in the mini mile are out collecting pledges so if you'd like to contribute but aren't much for running, Knight encourages people to make a pledge to the kids.
If you would like to register for the race or would like more information contact Knight at 634-4956.
