Organizers are thrilled with the outcome of the St. Clair River Run on Saturday, as a pair of course records fell at the 7th annual event.
Ben Hazzard, the event organizer, said it was a perfect day.
“It has been cool, overcast for a summer run, it’s great with a nice little tail wind as people ran in,” he said.
“We actually set two course records today in the 10k and the 5k. They were 20 seconds faster than the fastest time we have ever done on the course. Matt Shieler, 5K run in 16:09 and Aaron Cooper, 10K in 31:50. It was a fast day, fun day and lots of people came out. We had over 800 people out here taking part in the 5k, 10k and the Minnow run events.”
Participants in the race were all smiles as well.
“A huge thank you to everyone who made this day such a success. It is such a beautifully well organized run. Can’t wait for next year,” said Kelly Wiggle.
“This run is such an amazing run to participate in and a huge contributing factor is the significant community support. From Ben who organizes it, the incredible volunteers who help out and to the residents of the community who cheer you on along the way from start to finish. It’s an absolute honour to live in such a warm community and participate in such an amazing event.”
Stacy Verleye-Rybansky said it was a fabulous run.
“Thank you for an incredible run experience,” she said. “My first St. Clair River Run, but not my last.”
Hazzard said a small committee “that gets a lot of stuff done” helped organize this year’s event, which included:
– Rose Atkins
– Ben Hazzard
– Nathan Hazzard
– Anne Stratton
– Tony Stratton
– Dave Cram
– Kevin McGlade
– Plus, over two hundred volunteers
Hazzard said the run was created to raise money for the St.Clair River Trail.
“St.Clair Township… we can’t do it without the support of council, public works and the rec/park department. People continually tell us that this is one of their favourite races that they take part in and one of the big reasons for that is our community,” he said.
“We have water stations up and down the parkway with St.Clair Community Church, Lambton Baptist, Port Lambton United Church and the Co-operators from Corunna. So thank you to them. A few more sponsors to appreciate. Peats Marine, they took care of the food for all the runners and spectators. Riversite Realty has been with us right from the very beginning and they have supported us. ZGC Civil Group has sponsors the on course entertainment, CKSS and Blackburn Radio, Sombra Optimist Club for sponsoring the Minnow Run, No Frills in Corruna, Shykin Bait Variety in Port Lampton provided the coffee and Corunna Chiropractic and Massage, we appreciate them giving the massage service in the pavilion.
Hazzard said the group is thankful for the corporate sponsorship from CF Industries.
“We at CF are extremely proud and honoured to be a part of this organization,” said Kevin Johnston, engineering manager at CF Industries. “We really look forward to sponsoring this. We have employees that come out and do the run and support where we can. I remember coming here as a young boy coming here lots of times and really enjoying the park. It is great to see the advancements that has happened over the past year and it’s really a great legacy that we are able to pass on to the next generation.”
Jane Marsh, the St. Clair River Trail committee organizer, said in 20 years they have raised well over $2 million.
“Just from people like you, with donations, memorial givings, wonderful corporate industry and small business donations,” she said. “That’s how its gets done. The St.Clair River Run is a great testament to providing a trail. We are all volunteers and I am so proud of our accomplishments.
Marilyn Gladu, MP in Sarnia-Lambton, said all of the runners looked strong on Saturday.
“The year I ran, it was way hotter,” she said. “Thank you also to Ben and his committee and to all the volunteers. This is something I am so proud of. The best run in Sarina, Lambton and Chatham-Kent. 800 plus runners and huge amount of money, so congratulations.”
Steve Arnold, the mayor of St. Clair Township, said it is the volunteers that make the event such a success.
“When I look around at the volunteers that we have had, a lot of those are the same faces that make this park and this community the strength that it is,” he said.
Here are some photos from the event, taken by Tami Schram:
