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Third-annual Mother’s Day Fun Run in Westlock draws big crowd

Proceeds from the event will fund improvements to the Rotary Trail
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About 120 people participated in the third-annual Westlock Rotary Club Mother's Day Fun Run at the Rotary Spirit Centre May 14.

WESTLOCK — Sunshine and warm temperatures welcomed individuals and families for the third-annual Rotary Club of Westlock Mother’s Day Fun Run May 14.

About 120 participants gathered at the Rotary Spirit Centre to walk, run or stroll in three-kilometre, five-kilometre or 10-kilometre events, followed by a brunch for participants and volunteers.

“It’s a part of a lot of people’s Mother’s Day plans and it would be lovely to see it continue as long as we continue to get the support from the community,” said Rotary Trail committee member Megan Balascak.“There was a kids craft station there so kids could make Mother’s Day cards or plant a flower for mom in a little pot.”

The event was scheduled in 2019 but was cancelled during the pandemic in 2020 and 2021 and returned last year to help raise money for improvements and upgrades on the Rotary Trail. 

“Our solar lighting by the tennis courts and two new washrooms were installed on the trail, one at the tennis courts and one at the pond, and also some garbage can receptacles so the runners got to see those as well,” she said noting water stations were also set up on the course for participants and volunteers helped direct and cheer them along the way.

Money for the improvements came from funds raised in previous events as well as a three-to-one matching grant in 2022 in the amount of $350,000 from the federal government. The Rotary Club had to contribute 25 per cent (about $80,000) and the feds covered the remaining 75 per cent while there were also some paving repairs to the trail. “The paving has been done over the last couple of years, but the washrooms, solar lighting and garbage can receptacles are all brand new.” 

While they don’t yet have totals for the money raised this year, Balascak noted the community support and popularity of the event and pointed out some future plans for the trail.

“Continued paving upgrades, that’s the biggest need of the trail,” she said. “We would love to extend the trail, that’s kind of a long-term goal and there’s no immediate funding or plans for that but it would be lovely to extend the trail to include the whole Town of Westlock.”

Kristine Jean, TownandCountryToday.com


Kristine Jean

About the Author: Kristine Jean

Kristine Jean joined the Westlock News as a reporter in February 2022. She has worked as a multimedia journalist for several publications in Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta, and enjoys covering community news, breaking news, sports and arts.
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