13th annual Coaldale Family Fun Run to return April 20

Sunny South News Photo Submitted. On your marks: Participants await the signal to start the race in 2023 Fun Run.

By Erika Mathieu
Sunny South News

Organizers of the annual Coaldale Family Fun Run are gearing up for the 13th annual 5km race on April 20, 2024.

As in previous years, the community race will start at Coaldale Christian School at 2008 8th street in Coaldale.

With just under three weeks to go, organizers have confirmed over 250 sign-ups already, with hopes to grow this number in the coming weeks. 

According to event coordinator for the 2024 race, Jacob Wiebe, “Last year we actually got (around) 675 runners.” 

“This year we’re well on pace to even surpass that number,” Wiebe added, and said the event could meet or even surpass, pre-pandemic participation.

The annual event is put on each year to promote outdoor physical activity and unite community members in Coaldale. In past years, proceeds from the event have been used to support a number of community projects including playground upgrades, green space enhancements, and other wellness and sport initiatives with benefit the community including previous donations to the Link Pathway project, and sponsorship of free skating or community ice time, as well as donations for equipment for local sports teams.

“We just like to switch it around instead of doing the same (cause) every year, and try and benefit multiple organizations,” explained Wiebe. 

The 2024 event will see a portion of fees donated to local charity, with $2 from each race entry going to Rehoboth Christian Ministries. Other proceeds will be used to support the upcoming Southern Alberta Summer Games (SASG), which will be held this July in Coaldale. 

In an effort to get community members out and moving, the event is marketed as either a 5km walk or run. Although there is certainly a competitive component for some, many participants are keen to just take advantage of the fresh air and community, especially families.

For those with a competitive spirit, medals will be awarded to the top three contestants in each category. There will also be prizes awarded to the top overall male and female racers, youngest contestant, oldest contestant, and fastest man and female stroller pusher. The fastest and largest corporate teams will also receive prizes. As well schools with the largest team will receive a prize. Only registered participants are eligible for prizes. 

Corporate participation provides an opportunity for businesses to market their business, and get their name out in the community.

“We do like to always encourage the schools and the corporations to enter teams and compete against each other (…) we do like to encourage the teams to participate  and it is always fun to see that,” explained Wiebe.

The 5km route has not changed for this year. “We keep everything fairly standard on the root. I have actually been needing to get out to check the conditions  but we have a lot of snow covering everything right now,” said Wiebe.

More information and registration can be done online at https://www.racepro.ca/coaldale/. Racers must register before April 19, as race day entries are not permitted.