By Sheldon Spackman

Women’s Fun Run next weekend supporting The Mustard Seed

May 4, 2018 | 11:25 AM

Your chance to enjoy the outdoors, get some exercise and help out a great cause at the same time happens next Saturday, May 12.

The seventh annual Red Deer Primary Care Network Women’s Fun Run takes place at the Lindsay Thurber High School Track, all in support of the Mustard Seed’s School Lunch Program.

Last year, the event raised almost $20,000 for the program and helped provide over 50,000 lunches to vulnerable students in schools all throughout Red Deer.

Race Director Val Jensen says 1,200 participants crossed the finish line in the 2017 event.

“We’re a little down in registration, I’m sure Mother Nature had nothing to do with that,” jokes Jensen. “But we have seven different events, so we have the diaper dash for those little ones – 100 metres, right up to the 10K. Competitive racers, we’ve got chip timing but I’ll tell you about 30 – 40 per cent of our ladies walk the event but we get across the line and that’s what it’s all about.”

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Jensen adds she’s very pleased the race will benefit the Mustard Seed’s School Lunch Program again this year.

“We’re starting to really hear about the Mustard Seed in Red Deer,” explains Jensen. “They’re an awesome charity but we made lunches last year – 53,000 lunches which is great but a little bit sad that the need is so huge in Red Deer and so we’re fundraising for that. We take them out to all 32 schools in the City of Red Deer, so it’s a very local cause right at home.”

Jensen says close to 100 tents will be set up near the finish line at the Lindsay Thurber track, with all sorts of health and wellness products and other items available for those in attendance.

“Massage, manicure, pedicure, the Mustard Seed has a burger concession going, healthy options, gift shopping for Mother’s Day, it’s a big event,” states Jensen. “That’s what sets us apart rather than ‘let’s just run out, come across the line, receive a cool t-shirt’, plants from Blue Grass Sod Farm, huge swag, huge fun, $10,000 in prizes.”

According to Jensen, a $65,000 Cadillac ATS Coupe from Kipp Scott is one of those major prizes up for grabs.

“We take the top 10 fundraisers and I’m sorry to say that we’re really slow on our fundraising,” laments Jensen. “We take those 10 top fundraisers and draw one out of the hat. They’re going to drive away with this hot sports car.”

Although walk-up registrations will be taken, Jensen says those wishing to participate are encouraged to register ahead of time so preparations such as getting swag ready can be more easily accomplished.  

“A huge shout out to Red Deer PCN,” exclaims Jensen. “Because without them, this event would not be happening and also, we use 250 volunteers. I think about 199 of them are coming from PCN, so a big shout out to all the people that are involved with Red Deer PCN.”

For more details, visit WomensFunRun.com.