Stephen Vance, Staff
Meaford’s annual Harbour Run/Walk/Stroll is on pace to set another participation record when hundreds of runners hit the pavement on Saturday July 9.
More than 350 participants have already pre-registered, just shy of the 397 who participated in the event last year. The high level of interest has prompted organizers to add an additional registration period the day before the race.
“Because we have a record number already pre-registered we would like to get as many participants as possible to an advance registration/race kit pickup on the Friday night before the race the next day. This advance registration is for everyone – by that I mean people who have already registered online can come to the harbour on the Friday to hand in their pledges if they have more than just online pledges and can also get their bib, t–shirt, and bag,” said organizers.
Those who haven’t pre-registered online will also be able to take advantage of the Friday registration day in order to avoid the Saturday morning rush on race day.
The advance registration/race kit pickup is Friday, July 8 at 4 pm – 7pmat the Meaford Harbour. Organizers will be set up just outside of the Farmers’ Market.
Registration on the morning of the race, Saturday, July 9will remain the same – 7:45 am – 8:45 am, with the race starting at 9 am. Sharp.
This year the Meaford Harbour 5K Run/Walk is being held on the same day as the new Urban Slide that is happening on Nelson St.The Urban Slide is a 1,000 ft. slip and slide brought to town by local company 365 Sports, who have chosen the Meaford Hospital Foundation as their charity of choice for their July 9 event.
In support of the current Grey Bruce Health Services (GBHS) $11.4 million Campaign, the goal for the 2016 Harbour Run/Walk is $50,000. A goal that if achieved will break last year’s fundraising record.
Breaking a fundraising record would be icing on the top for the event which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. When the Apple Harvest Race came to an end after 25 years, Brian Renken, Race Director for the Meaford Harbour 5k Run/Walk, picked up the event for the hospital. Over the past 19 years the race has raised over $320,000 for medical equipment and participation has steadily grown.
If you would like to register online, there’s still time. Visit: www.onlineregistrations.ca/meafordharbour
