Good running times, good track conditions and good fellowship led to a very good time Saturday at the Coal Country Run at Woodlawn Regional Park.
“I was in charge of the weather, and I got the weather for everybody,” said Peggy Rohatyn, one of the event’s organizers. “We had a great day. The people, the run, people seemed to be happy with the course that was marked off good and everything went off without a hitch.”
Counting the mini mile competitors, there were about 165 running the five kilometre, 10 kilometre and one mile courses.
“We love to see the kids come out and get out and enjoying it,” said Peggy Knight, another organizer. “It’s a family event.”
Before the big people did their run, there was a yoga stretch from OM Yoga studio, a DJ with music, a brunch and free massage therapy as well as vendors in the Rotary Club Hall at the event.
“The vendors are great,” Knight said. “If you’re just wanting information, they’re happy to tell you about what they’re all about and what they can do for your wellness. It’s just a fun day.”
Marcel MacFarlane won the 10K race with a time of 42 minutes, 57.3 seconds. Dana Zayats came across in second place in the 10K, with her time of 47:47.7.
In the 5K, Rolf Plaetzmueller won with a time of 23:21.8 and the fastest woman was Ashley Olson (28:49.6)
There will be about $6,000 raised for the Fresh Air Fitness outdoor centre.
“We put up our prices a bit this year but only if you registered late,” said Rohatyn. “If you registered early is was a little bit less than last year. But I would think with the turnout we’ve had we’ll raise about $6,000 for Fresh Air Fitness.”
The fall will also once again see the Run The Course, which takes place at TS&M Woodlawn Golf Course after the golf season is over and raise further money for the fitness centre.
“We have some good ideas coming up,” said Knight. “Throughout the summer we’ll be adding things.”
There will be a climbing wall, zig zag walls and balancing coming soon, Rohatyn said, and some more accessible things for rehabilitation.
Anyone who would like to see certain equipment at Fresh Air Fitness in the future can contact Knight or Rohatyn.
