Putting on a special event like the ‘Loop around the Lake’ is never an easy task. There is always so much more to be done than meets the eye and it takes a tremendous amount of effort and volunteer hours in order to be successful.
That is why the volunteer committee for Chestermere’s 6th Annual Loop around the Lake has begun early preparations for the race that hosts over 100 runners annually. Although the event will once again have 4 races including a 1 kilometre kids race, 5 kilometre walk or run, 12 kilometre loop and a half marathon, the date has changed. This year, the Loop Around the Lake will be held on Sunday, June 22.
For half a decade, the race has been held in conjunction with the Country Fall Fair in September but race volunteer Cathy Burness explains why the committee felt the date change from September to June will be beneficial, “The summer months leading up to September are historically very busy months for our volunteers and community, so after much discussions it was decided that holding the race in June would allow us more time to dedicate to the success of the event.”
The race is attracting more and more runners each year, seeing many participants coming out from Calgary to join in the fun event. Event organizer Bernie Maillet would like to see more locals participate as well, “I like to see the community get involved as a whole because it promotes a healthy active life style and by getting involved we become a tighter community,” says Maillet.
We all know that without volunteers and sponsors these types of events are simply not possible and the Loop around the Lake is no exception. The organizing committee is in need of over 50 volunteers to help with jobs such as marshalling, registration, handing out medals, food preparation and working the aid stations. There are also sponsorship opportunities available.
There will a volunteer meeting on Tuesday, March 11th at 6:30pm in the Town Hall and the committee would like to invite everyone to join them to learn more about the event and how you can help. “Anyone at any age who would like to volunteer or find out more about the event should come along and chat with us,” says Burness. “We are putting a lot of attention and emphasis on planning and organization this year so that it can be the best that it can be.”
If you are not available to help the day of, there are still many other tasks that are required to be done ahead of time. “There are many tasks that we will require assistance with leading up to the race, for example, the night before we will need help with cutting up the fruit that is offered to the runner at the finish line,” adds Burness.
“I think this event is very important because it benefits our library which indirectly benefits the children who use our library,” says Maillet, who is an avid marathoner and Ironman athlete. He started the local run six years ago as a way of giving back to the community with a goal to raise $100,000 in 10 years. The proceeds from the race go towards benefitting the Chestermere Public Library.
“The Loop Around the Lake is OUR race. It is our opportunity to be active as a community and also contribute to our library. It is important to keep our minds active and we know that a healthy body can contribute to maintaining a healthy mind. We have a generous community and we welcome an opportunity to get active and help raise money and awareness for such a great cause”, says Burness.
For more information on becoming a volunteer for the Loop around the Lake or for sponsorship inquiries contact Cathy Burness via email at cathy.burness@chestermerepubliclibrary.com.
For more information on registering for the run, visit the website at www.looparoundthelake.ca.
