CommUNITY Run returns to Alexandria on September 17

The CommUNITY Run in support of Community Living Glengarry is set to hit the streets of Alexandria on Saturday, September 17, marking the fifth edition of the event.

Starting from the sports dome at 9 a.m., distances of 1 km, 5 km, and 10 km are available to runners and walkers. Online registration (here) is open until midnight on September 15. Day-of-race registrations begin at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday.

Starting in 2016, the event has been organized each year by Sophie Ranger and Glen Campbell.

Community Living Glengarry (CLG) notes, “Sophie certainly lives up to the definition of a great ambassador, representing CLG in a positive manner and fostering good relationships with groups and individuals in our community. CLG has been fortunate to have Sophie’s expertise and guidance in organizing this annual event for the past five years, which benefits our whole community. Each year a portion of the funds raised is specifically dedicated toward equipment that the [entire] community can use. This year we are happy to announce that CLG and the Lion’s club are jointly purchasing a water refill station (to replace an old one) that will be installed in the spring of 2023 near the tennis court at the park.”

Campbell is a teacher and coach at Glengarry District High School. He is also an athlete in his own right, a frequent participant in long-distance running events near and far, including multiple times in the storied Boston Marathon. Last month, his own contributions to local sports, as well as his athletic prowess, were honoured by the Glengarry Sports Hall of Fame with his induction to the Hall.

The CLG adds, “Very early the day of the run, Glen [in his role as course director] personally ensures that the street routes are clearly marked for runners, returns to the Dome to deliver instructions to all participants, and signals the start of the run for each category. Glen sets a high example of being a great ambassador not only to Community Living Glengarry but to other organizations in our community. Glen has certainly proved over the years that he has great community spirit and voluntarily offers to do what he can for students, groups, and organizations.”

Amongst those committed to participating are North Glengarry firefighters, all of whom will don full equipment, according to Mayor Jamie MacDonald, and run the 1 km route.

Here’s a video of some of the action from a past CommUNITY Run.

For more information on the specific routes for each of the distances, please check out the race registration page here. Note that roads will be closed when in use by runners/walkers.

There are additional details online at the event Facebook page here.