(Harvest Run/ Facebook)

By Ian Gustafson

Sept. 7

Registration now open for 33rd annual Harvest Run

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The 33rd annual Harvest Run is set to return this fall.

Hosted by the Red Deer Runners since 1991, those hoping to participate can mark their calendars for Sunday, Sept. 7.

The family friendly event, which begins at 9 a.m., will offer two different distances and routes. The three kilometre walk/run begins in Capstone where participants will go towards Taylor Drive with a loop around the Bower Ponds trail system and back

They’re also offering a new eight kilometre route which will begin in capstone and utilize the trail system along Bower Ponds and the Red Deer River.

Kids under 10-years-old can participate in either event for free but adults have to pay $40 per person for the three-kilometre walk/run and $55 for the eight-kilometre run.

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Event organizer Otto Stepanik said the event has always been organized as a family friendly event that promotes active living in central Alberta.

“Over the years, the Harvest Run has established itself as one of the most popular running festivities in the area,” he said. “It’s been achieved by the longterm dedication of the running community, volunteers, as well as our generous sponsors.”

Before the pandemic, they grew the run to have close to 400 participants but saw lower numbers shortly after. However, they’re slowly regrowing it and last year had 358 runners take part.

This year they’re aiming for closer to 400 people and currently have approximately 230 people registered so far.

The money raised by the event goes into providing food and drinks for the runners after the race. They’re also used for medals handed out at the end and for door prizes. In addition, anyone who registers before July 31 will receive a long-sleeve race shirt.

Anything left over goes into a Harvest Run and Red Deer Runners athletic bursary, which is meant to financially support young runners with travel expenses to competitions and entry fees, among other things.

The runners must compete in running type events such as track, mid or long-distance running, and cross country running. An application can be filled out on their website and from there, a committee picks worthy candidates to send the funds too. Last year, they helped eight athletes.

To register for the event, those interested can either do it in person on race day or online on eventbrite.ca.