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Race for Kids to hit Cochrane for first time

With the promise of challenges, friendly competition and contributing to a good initiative, the Capital One Race for Kids will make its way to Cochrane June 1.

With the promise of challenges, friendly competition and contributing to a good initiative, the Capital One Race for Kids will make its way to Cochrane June 1.

The second-annual event — although only appearing for the first time in Cochrane — will run in 21 locations across Canada, all in support of the local Boys and Girls Club. In preparation for the event, which is less than a month away, the Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane and Area is on the hunt for registrants.

The club announced its goal of raising $25,000 in funds at the end of February. So far, only a small percentage of that has been raised. As of May 13, only seven teams have registered for the race.

To participate, each team of four must raise a minimum of $400. To achieve the goal of $25,000, Shana Bruder is encouraging each team to fundraise at least $1,000 — or about $250 per team member.

Team costumes are encouraged for the event.

“I think there is misconception about the physicality of the event — you have to be physically fit, but you don’t have to be an athlete,” said Bruder, event assistant for the Race for Kids. “Even though it’s called a race, it’s a fun run or a fun walk.”

Ten checkpoints will be spread throughout the 5-K course. Set up scavenger-hunt style, with clues to guide participants, each checkpoint will feature a challenge. Bruder said challenges range from mind skill games to minute-to-win-it type contests.

“For participants, the event is about having fun and working together as a team,” she said. “You can be the fastest when running from checkpoint to checkpoint, but if you can’t work together as a team, the challenges could cost you some time.”

The Boys and Girls Club of Airdrie participated last year in the inaugural running of the event. The race raised about $25,000 for the club’s programming and services.

“People were excited to get onboard and support the community, and the local Boys and Girls Club,” said Denisa Sanness, executive director of the Airdrie club. “We raised around $25,000 in that one day. It went a long way in developing our programming and keeping costs down for families in our community.”

Last year’s Airdrie-based Race for Kids saw about six teams vying for top prize in the fundraising event. Tanya Newman, a member of the winning team, said the race was a fun way to get involved in the community and encourages Cochranites to register for the event.

“The more people the better — it’s for such a good cause,” said Newman. “The more the community gets on board, the more money is raised. And the event is for the kids — our kids and our local club.”

In addition to participants, Bruder said the Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane and Area still has a variety of sponsorship opportunities available, along with spots for volunteers.

The Cochrane Race for Kids will get underway at 3 p.m. in the parking lot of the club, located along Fifth Avenue. Game day registration starts at 1:30 p.m. The parking lot will double as the finish line.

To learn more about Capital One Race for Kids, to register or to make a donation, visit Cochrane’s webpage at raceforkids.ca.

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