Come dressed in costume for fun run

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This article was published 02/10/2013 (4481 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Here’s your chance to put on your running shoes — and your favourite costume — in support of the Point Douglas community.

On Sat., Oct. 12, the second-annual Point Douglas Fun Run will hit the streets to raise funds for three organizations: North Point Douglas Women’s Centre, Barber House Senior Centre and Norquay Community Centre.

Race directors Kim McCallum and Bridget Robinson warmed up to the idea while they were hosting a learn-to-run event out of the women’s centre last year.

“We got so familiar with the area and we liked it so much. Most of the runs in the city are out at The Forks or Assiniboine Park. Who ever thinks to run through this area?” asked McCallum, a St. Norbert resident.

“It’s lovely. It’s historic. There are so many neat buildings. Because we love the area, we decided to have a run last year. We had a great turnout. It was successful. People really liked the route, so we’re doing it again this year.”

For the inaugural event, a crowd of 130 participants gathered for the family-friendly fundraiser. This year, McCallum hopes they are on track to surpass that total for the run, which is sanctioned by the Manitoba Runners’ Association.

She also hopes participants will get their creative juices flowing and dress up in costume for the day.

“You can wear any type of costume you want. Last year, we had Where’s Waldo, someone in a kilt, a guy in a tutu and a Michael Jackson impersonator,” she said.

“We really have a lot of fun. We’ll have a prize for the best costume.”

Keeping pace with the creative undercurrent, local graffiti artists will contribute works to rev up weary runners.

“The graffiti arts program out of the Norquay Community Centre will actually be creating some inspirational posters for us,” McCallum said.

“They’re going to be held by our course marshals, and some of them will be in the community centre.”

The fun run offers options for everyone through its five-kilometre and 10-kilometre routes. As an added option, there is also a shorter community walk for families and anyone else who would like to join in on the excitement.

For those who are not pounding the pavement, McCallum encourages them to cheer on participants along the scenic path.

“We want to get people in the neighbourhood and in the various centres out to participate by lining the route, by walking the route and by running the route,” she said.

“We also provide a hot breakfast, which is not done too often. We’re really trying to get people in the community involved. That’s what we want to do. We’re hoping that we reach more community people.”

Registration for the event costs $20 for the five-kilometre course and $30 for the 10-kilometre course, and the community walk is free. All of the events begin at Norquay Community Centre, located at 65 Granville St. They wrap up in the same area with refreshments, music, awards and prizes.

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