This year’s Run Like a Mother event raised $13,000 for local community groups.
Proceeds from the annual family friendly road race will contribute $5,000 to Friends of the Family, $2,500 to Kootenay Kids, $2,500 to the Nelson Nordic Ski Club, $2,500 to the Special Olympics, and $500 to the Nelson Library for teen programs.
On the third anniversary of the event on May 11, 330 runners of all ages completed in their choice of three routes.
The shortest route took runners five kilometres out and back through Fairview along the Third Street bike route. The 10 km race sent runners further afield to Bealby Point Road as far as Horlicks Point and back.
The half marathon (21.5 km) was to include the Rail Trail but this was re-routed at the last minute due to the presence of grizzlies there.
The results of all three races can be found at https://runlikeamothereven.wixsite.com/info.
The joyful family atmosphere at the starting line was palpable, with kids and adults eagerly sharing the experience.
“This is about families and community,” said organizer Alexandra Forsythe.
“The community puts this on: sponsorships, donations, support from the City of Nelson through the transit and park departments and Ministry of Transportation. I can’t do this alone. And I have to say that without Kim Irving there would be no race. She and I are a dream team and each have our roles.”
A cheer squad at the finish line welcomed the runners back to downtown Baker Street.
“This year’s finish line cheer squad was incredible,” said Forsythe. “Folks from the Nelson branch of the Special Olympics cheered on every runner who crossed the line.”
Forsythe is proud of the event’s contribution to the community over its previous three years.
“With the Movement is Medicine Race the Nelson Athletic Association hosted last fall, all four races will have donated over $40,000 back into the community.”