Leading Edge Physiotherapy’s annual event attracted thousands of runners while raising funds for local non-profits organizations
This past Sunday, the city of St. Albert welcomed 2,800 participants to the 12th annual RunWild charity running event, showcasing a spirit of community, athleticism, and philanthropy.
Founded by Leading Edge Physiotherapy in 2011, RunWild features a 5km, a 10km, and a half marathon race designed to cater to every level of runner and walker, creating an atmosphere of fun, competition, and challenge.
Participants at this weekend’s race gathered at the Event Village in Lions Park, with the courses winding throughout St. Albert. The Village, which served as the event’s epicentre, offered a kids’ fun zone, live entertainment, food and beverages, and a variety of other entertainment options for participants and spectators alike.
In addition to the main event on Sunday, two 1.2km “MaraFun” races were organized on Saturday in Sherwood Park and Spruce Grove. These events aimed to engage and inspire children aged 4-12 years old, fostering a love for running and physical activity in the younger generation.
RunWild owes its success to the dedicated efforts of Leading Edge Physiotherapy partners, employees, families, friends, and volunteers, who collaborate tirelessly to organize this popular annual event. The race has grown in prominence over the years, with this year’s headcount coming in at a record-breaking 2,600.
As has been the case throughout RunWild’s history, putting on this year’s event was a logistical challenge that involved the cooperation of numerous community stakeholders.
“We chose our race date fairly early, and as we began planning the race, we learned that multiple events were happening on the same weekend,” said RunWild Director Grant Fedoruk.
“Our team had to work hard to make sure our event was in the forefront. Being that our race is early in the season and along the Sturgeon River, we always face challenges based on which route we can take. Weather can make for a challenge: hot, cold, snow, rain or wind. We have to prepare for any variation, and this year we were blessed with a window that was conducive to racing.”
Partnering with the business community, likewise, makes all the difference when organizing an event of this size.
But the true driving force of RunWild lies in its charitable mission. One hundred per cent of proceeds raised by the event go towards local charities, particularly the Zebra Child and Youth Advocacy Centre and the St. Albert Seniors Association. Moreover, the event supports Child Advocacy Centres across Alberta, raising funds for the Chinook Child and Youth Advocacy Centre and the Caribou Child and Youth Centre.
“Since the beginning, RunWild has always supported kids and seniors as we believe this makes a healthy community,” said Fedoruk.
“As our event grew, we knew we had a unique opportunity to widen our reach and started partnering with Child Advocacy Centres across Alberta. The youth are our future, but we must not forget those amazing individuals who blazed the path, allowing us to do what we do today.”
Since its inception in 2011, RunWild has raised over $717,000 for these vital organizations, making a tangible impact on the lives of children, youth, and seniors in St. Albert and beyond. As Fedoruk pointed out, it’s too soon to put a number beside this year’s event, but the massive influx of community donations suggests that 2023 may turn out to be one of RunWild’s biggest years to date.
“Last-minute donations are still rolling in, so we continue to work on our fundraising tally but stay tuned to our social media accounts @runwildrace to see if we surpassed our $100,000 goal.”
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