(harvest Run Facebook page)

By Alessia Proietti

Back to pre-pandemic registration levels

Red Deer’s Harvest Run attracts participants from five to 75 years old; still time to register

Sep 1, 2023 | 12:11 PM

Red Deer’s Harvest Run is on track to reach pre-pandemic registration numbers with a range of participants from age five to 75, according to its Committee Chair.

Hosted by the Red Deer Runners, the 31^st annual run takes place on September 10 in the Capstone area (5589 47 Ave.) along the city’s river trails.

Otto Stepanik, Chair of the volunteer-based Committee, says they already have 222 participants registered, which has surpassed numbers from the past two years by this date, leading them on track to reaching pre-pandemic numbers.

READ: There’s still time to register for this Sunday’s Harvest Run

He expects roughly 300 people to participate as many register during the final week, on Saturday during package pick-up, or on Sunday’s race day.

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“We are still aiming for the same goal which is to promote healthy living in central Alberta and help people to get exercising which running is, even in my personal view, a very efficient way to exercise for the time spent and exercise done,” he said.

While he says there are lots of competitions with other races in the region, he has heard registrations have increased all around.

Roughly two-thirds of participants, Stepanik says, have registered for the 8-kilometre run while the rest are in the 3 km route.

Apart from door prizes, cash prizes will be awarded to the first three male and female finishers of the 8 km run, with all participants receiving a medal.

Stepanik says the run has a great atmosphere every year.

“It’s always a great weekend for people to come participate, win or no win. A great morning of celebration for running and celebration of exercise and moving the body. Families come and cheer for family members and friends and it’s so exciting to see that every year. That’s why we, on the committee, are runners. We are trying to give community back and just keep it going,” he said.

The Harvest Run was nominated in March for a community-based award by CommunityVotes, under the Community Organization category. While they didn’t win, Stepanik says it was rewarding to be nominated after being involved in the community for over 30 years.

READ: Red Deer’s Harvest Run nominated for community-based award

He adds that thanks to sponsors like Elite Chiropractic and Sports Medicine, they have been able to keep registration costs affordable for participants at $40 for the 3km run and $55 for the 8km run.

After race costs like t-shirts, medals, bandanas and other elements, the surplus will be awarded to student athletes through the Red Deer Runners Athletic Bursary. While no applications have been submitted yet, Stepanik says they typically come in during the Fall months by high school and college track and field students. Application deadline is October 31.

Online registration will close on September 5. Interested participants can then register in person and visit the Harvest Run website for more information.