YORKTON — A record turnout in recent years helped the annual Charity Road Race raise nearly $40,000 for new hospital equipment, according to Ross Fisher, executive director of the health foundation.
The race, held Aug. 16, attracted the highest attendance since before the COVID-19 pandemic, Fisher said.
"It was a beautiful, fresh, cool morning, just ideal for running," Fisher said. "I think we had 234 participants, which is a really good turnout for us."
The event has become a fixture on the community calendar, taking place every year on the third Sunday of August. Fisher said the foundation has raised $39,265 so far, with some pledges still being received.
Because event sponsorships covered all race expenses, every dollar raised will go directly toward the purchase of stress-testing equipment for the hospital's Diagnostic Imaging Department.
"The sponsorship covers all of the costs of the event," Fisher said. "That means all of that money will go towards purchasing medical equipment for the hospital."
Participants of all ages took part in the event's race categories, including young runners such as four-and-a-half-year-old Macy Brand, who completed the race alongside dozens of other children.
"I had lots of fun," Macy said after crossing the finish line and receiving a medal.
Macy's mother, Angela Brand, said she has participated in previous years and was thrilled to see her children join in this year's event.
"Now that the kids are older and able to join in, it's definitely become a family affair," Brand said. "We will be back next year for sure."
Brand said her children quickly gained confidence once they got moving.
"They were pretty nervous at the start and weren't sure if we were going to make it to the start line, but we all got there and they all loved it," she said. "It was very, very fun."
While the children completed the two-kilometre event, Brand tackled the five-kilometre race herself.
"It was awesome to see them cross the finish line," she said. "They were so proud of themselves."
For Macy, the morning's highlights included earning a medal and enjoying the post-race breakfast.
The young runner said she plans to return next year because "it's fun."
Fisher said the foundation hopes to build on this year's momentum as preparations begin for the race's 20th anniversary in 2027.
Organizers are considering enhancements to the event, including expanded learn-to-run programs, increased business involvement and additional activities after the race to encourage participants to stay and celebrate.
"We want to make the 20th a bit of a celebration," Fisher said. "That's a long time, and there's been a lot of people who have volunteered for all 20 of those years, and lots of people who have run just about every year."
Fisher said one of the biggest challenges is encouraging new participants to get started. While many people believe running five kilometres is difficult, he said the foundation's learn-to-run clinics help beginners build up gradually over several weeks.
"Once you're in the run, you get pulled along," he said. "There's lots of group energy as you're going down the street. That's fun. It's getting there that can be the challenge."
With participation on the rise and nearly $40,000 raised for local health care, Fisher said this year's event demonstrated the strength of community support and laid the groundwork for an even bigger celebration next year.
