St. Albert's first ever marathon might have been windy but all that Grant Fedoruk saw was sunshine and clear skies.
Fedoruk just wants everyone to remember the event was meant to bring people together and support an amazing charity.
"It was, from the very get-go, planned to be a community event," he said, clearly enthusiastic about the response from the public. The co-owner of race sponsor Leading Edge Physiotherapy admitted their original goal was to bring out 1,000 runners. Some people said such a turnout was too lofty an expectation.
"We were told that was an ambitious goal," he claimed. "The response from the community was fantastic. We are just ecstatic that we are part of St. Albert. This was exactly what we were looking forward to from the community."
The Run Wild race was a big hit with more than 1,600 participants and a veritable army of volunteers and supporters helping to ensure that things went smoothly.
He added it was worthwhile to educate even one person about the beneficiary of the proceeds from the race. The Zebra Child Protection Centre is an Edmonton-based non-profit organization that offers a multi-disciplinary approach to helping victims of child abuse. He's happy in knowing that a "significant donation" will be made but raising awareness was just as important in the effort.
"I know that we've even exceeded our expectations on that. People are talking about it. People are really proud of being part of the event because of the charity. If that's the ultimate achievement of the race, then we were successful. The fact that we're going to raise a significant amount of money at the same time, that's just gravy."
A final fundraising tally will be coming in the next few weeks. He ended by saying the intent is to make next year's marathon "bigger and better."
You can learn more about the event or the charity at www.runwild.ca.
Bowled over
It was a busy day for charity sports events. The third annual Strikes for Cancer Bowl-a-thon happened on Sunday morning as well, and brought in a record turnout.
Organizer Lisa Babiuk was enthusiastic about the results.
"It went very, very well. We had probably 30 per cent more [participants] than last year. It went above our expectations."
All told more than 100 people laid down their best rolls and brought in at least $16,000 to support the Canadian Cancer Society.
"It exceeded Jaden's goal of $15,000. He was excited that there was more people. He's always happy."
Her son, Jaden, started the event in 2009 when he was just six years old. He wanted people to come together and do something fun to fight cancer. He personally raised $1,650, meaning he was one of the 14 people that qualified for a free iPad from Computer Troubleshooters.
The only problem was that Lisa tried to bowl and oversee things.
"My game was not so good. It's hard to bowl and try to help out at an event."
Lisa is happy to report that they're already planning another round for 2012.
To learn more about the event, please visit www.strikesforcancer.com.
