Annual run still a go

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 11/05/2020 (2028 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

While there won’t be a starting gun or a crowd of runners and walkers setting off from the Headingley firehall this year, the annual Run for Wishes is still on.

“It seemed a shame to forget about it this year,” race director Glenn Reimer said, noting that this year is the 20th for the Headingley Fire Department’s fundraiser.

Reimer said between 300 and 400 participants in the five-kilometre run and three-kilometre walk typically raise about $20,000, with funds going to the Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation, Canadian Mental Health Association and individuals in need.

“It’s not a huge amount, but it makes a big difference,” he said.

He and the other organizers decided to look for a way to adapt the event and make it a virtual run to conform to COVID-19 restrictions.

A website was created that invites people of all ages to register. While following the regular route through south Headingley is an option, runners, walkers, cyclists and skateboarders can select their own route of three or five kilometres.

“Virtual participation is a ‘run, cycle, walk rollerblade, etc. at your own time and own pace’ scenario where you run the event any time and anywhere. Once you have completed the event you can submit your selfie to greimer@shaw.ca or we will post it on our Instagram page,” the website states.

Reimer said the race is sanctioned by the Manitoba Runners Association.

The registration fee is lowered to $8.50 and a 20th anniversary T-shirt can be ordered for $10.
Reimer said there will still be prize draws for participants.

He hopes that a few schools might decide to join in the virtual event as students from Headingley’s Phoenix School and some attending Winnipeg schools have taken part in previous years.

This year’s Run for Wishes isn’t scheduled for a specific date and registrants have until the end of May to complete the race.

For more information on the 2020 Run for Wishes, see www.headingleyfiredepartment.com/