It was Cayden Cummings of Nipawin who first crossed the finish line at the ninth annual Tri-Unity Challenge.
The 11-year-old boy, who likes long distance running more than sprinting, said he was pleased with the race.
“I was first and my sister actually came in second,” the fastest 3K runner said.
There were 83 participants in this year’s run, which has four distances: 3K, 5K, 10K and 21K. The event was held at Pasquia Regional Park Aug. 12.
The run is a partnership between the communities of Carrot River, Arborfield and Zenon Park. Each winter, the three towns hold a challenge to determine which one is most physically active.
The winning town receives the money raised by the run to spend on items that promote physical activity like walking trails and playground equipment. This year’s winner was Arborfield, which received $2,000.
“We’ve worked over the past nine years towards helping support healthy lifestyles through offering this event,” said Miranda Blaber, Carrot River’s recreation director.
Sydney Enns of Carrot River was the fastest 5K runner.
“I do this year every year and it’s really exciting to finish and to be able to see everyone,” she said. “I really enjoy running. I run throughout the year with the track club as well.”
This year’s race featured red shirts to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday. Otherwise, not much has changed this year.
“We haven’t changed things too much; we’re holding back for next year, our 10th anniversary,” Blaber said. “We’re starting some plans on that to do something extra-special. It would be nice to break 100 registrations for our 10th anniversary.”
It was the first run for Diana Martinson of Tisdale at the Tri-Unity Challenge.
“I felt good. I felt strong going through,” said the fastest 10K running about her thoughts, as she raced through the finish line. “I ran a good race. I was happy and was just glad to be done.”
Martinson said she has been training over the winter and that a goal of hers was to run some races. Blaber said many come out, trying to meet a goal – and then they impress themselves and go a longer distance the next year.
“It’s always important, I think, to hold these events and give people an opportunity to come out and meet their goals, beat their goals, see how good they are at something.”
Karen Hedin of Tisdale was the fastest 21K runner. She said she celebrated in her head as she crossed the finish line. The 21K runners began their races a half-hour before the others.
“I love running races, so I just [go to] as many as I can locally,” she said, adding she’s gone to the Tri-Unity Challenge each year it’s been held.
