We are so flattered by the following article that was written by Narda Elvidge for the Mount Forest Confederate. Thank you so much!
In a word, Saturday’s annual Colleen Lantz Memorial Run 4 Youth was… phenomenal! Her zest for life, her passion for health and fitness, and the well being of her community are at the forefront of this event each and every year. Her presence is felt in the hearts and minds of every participant.
The aim this year was for “bigger and better” and by all accounts the race attained that goal and so much more. There were 391 participants competing under hot weather conditions, but they still came through with some impressive finish times.
The race courses hold special meaning for Alecia Lantz, President/Race Director/Event Coordinator. “The 5k and 10k race courses that we have professionally certified against international standard are very significant to our organization as these are the race routes Colleen and I used to run together. It means so much to be able to share these same routes with our race participants.”
There was a huge pasta party and live music on Friday night, providing the participants with a carb-filled feast. Registration took place online and in person on race day with those who fund-raised $100 being able to participate for free! The Neustadt arena was the focal point for Saturday starting with a moving sunrise tribute to Colleen. This was followed by a Fireman’s breakfast at the arena, which coincided with registration for the 1km Kidz Race, 5km walk/run/stroller roll/team challenge and 10km run.
Joanne Barber of Owen Sound was busy doing leg stretches in readiness of the 5km race. She, with her family, was looking forward to a great day. “This is our first time. My daughter and son-in-law have “Runners Den” in Owen Sound but we’ve always had a commitment on this exact same day so this is the first time we’ve come down. We’ve heard so much about it. We brought a friend who was up for the weekend, he’s from Ancaster and he is a race director for a large road race in Ancaster called ‘The Old Mill”. He said ‘Wow, this is phenomenal!”
Local media celebrity J. C. Coutts was on hand to help with the opening ceremonies. “It was a wonderful event and I was really honoured to be asked to speak and be a part of it.” He was especially honoured to meet Natalie McDonald and see the wonderful job the event was doing to raise funds for Easter Seals this year. “I think events like this are amazing and it’s incredible to see so many different people come out and take part and support a great cause. I’ve seen the event grow so much in the last few years I’ve lived here and I’m already excited about what next year’s event will be like.”
All the results have been posted on http://www.sportstats.ca and the top finishers of the 10km Run and 5km Run were: 10km Run – Joe Chappel of Glammis in 38:42.7; and Janet Gamble of Owen Sound in 41:10.5. 5km Run – Ryan Bartja of Listowel in 19:23.0; and Veronica Allan of Shallow Lake in 21:02.2. 10km Run Masters – Doug Crain of Chatsworth in 40.28.2; and Dianne Misch of Dobbinton in 48:30.5.
A health and wellness expo took place in the arena with wide range of products and services available. Whether shown through demonstration or related to you via someone’s personal experience, you were offered a day of information; plus family entertainment of Erik Traplin.
“Each and every year our board works very hard to keep making improvements over the previous event.” Alecia Lantz said. “We take all feedback very seriously as we want to ensure that we meet the expectations of our guests. I am so proud of the way everything came together for us this year. This event has kept the dream Colleen and I shared alive. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a part of this very special day. We look forward to seeing everyone again on Friday and Saturday, August 10-11, 2012, in support of the new Children’s Safety Village.”
run4youth 