Hitting the trails for better end-of-life care in Red Deer

Hundreds of Red Deerians will take part in a national event this weekend that recognizes the valuable work done by hospice palliative care volunteers and health care providers.

Sunday’s 11th Annual Run/Hike for Hospice kicks off National Palliative Care Week (May 6-12) takes place at the Kerry Wood Nature Centre.

The event starts at 10:00 a.m. with hikers able to choose from a 5 km wooded trail or 1 km stroller and wheelchair friendly path within the beautiful Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary. Runners can head out for a 5 or 10 km route along the city’s scenic riverside trails.

Organizers say the event started with 50 people taking part in a 3 km walk 11 years ago and has now grown to more than 500 runners and hikers participating last year and raising $52,000 for the Red Deer Hospice Society.