On Sunday June 21st, 2015 the 7th Annual Loop Around the Lake took place, despite the rainy start to the day. 138 participants, adults and kids, laced up their sneakers to run in this annual race that raises money for the Chestermere Public Library.
The Chestermere Public Library began with the dream of a dedicated group of community members even before 1993 when the bylaw was passed to form the Chestermere Library Board. This dream became reality on November 27th, 2007 when the Library opened its doors to the people of Chestermere and area all to the credit of the passionate people that had been behind this project from the beginning. Through perseverance, building awareness and fund raising, the library has become a successful reality and a community focal point.
Event organizer, Bernie Maillet, said “Nothing could have prepared us for the excitement of all of the children as they walked through the doors for the first time into their very own Library! The shouts of “so beautiful”! To the tears we saw in the eyes of the many volunteers that made this day happen, made all of us realize this was an important and crucial piece of the community of Chestermere being built for today and for the future generations of this community. It’s with thanks to all of you who supported and worked toward this amazing community resource and continue to build its success that this facility has become a reality and you continue to make it grow”.
Participants paid a registration fee of $50.00 that helps support the cost of putting on the event. Finishers t-shirts, with a customized logo, will be included in the cost of entry. 100% of any profits will be awarded to the Chestermere Public Library.
Cathy Burness, Community Development Coordinator at Chestermere Public Library commented, “The inclement weather didn’t seem to dampen spirits any although it did a real number on the paperwork. People showed up dressed for the weather and I think we can safely say that if was the best ever Loop. We continue to get better at the “nuts and bolts” of organising a function like this. Bernie Maillet has spearheaded this run for 7 years now and spends hours and hours looking for sponsors, planning the safest route for the runners/walkers and volunteers and arranging for race timing, T-shirts for participants and attending meetings with the City of Chestermere, volunteers and protective services. The City has been extremely helpful with the planning of the route and providing us with maps to ensure that everyone knows exactly where to go. We get great participation from local businesses. Starbucks offered to provide the coffee and so when The Waiting Room Café offered to do coffee, we had to tell them that that was already covered. It could have ended there, but instead Al and Parvin decided that they should volunteer to help along the route. That’s the kind of buy in we get for this event.”
Burness went on to say, “It didn’t matter that the rain was pelting down at 5:00 AM. The volunteers turned up at 6:30am, wearing weather appropriate clothing and big smiles. I have honestly never felt so supported. The Library was well represented as we had Library Board members, and Library staff there to help. We had our MLA Leela Aheer out on the course giving out smiles and hugs, but also lugging boxes and putting up tents. Lisa McAllister was helping with registration. We had members of council handing out water and taking down aid stations. Everyone just helped wherever needed and kept on smiling. Thanks to the Anchor for the great coverage. Thanks to all the volunteers, participants, runners, walkers, donors and most of all Bernie for his tireless efforts. What a great event and a great place to live”.
Jon Stockdale of Calgary, crossed the finish line with a time of just over 48 minutes running the 12 km. The first place runner of the 5km was 15 year old Aristotle Cruz of Chestermere with a time of 21 minutes 23 seconds and Luca Dufour of Chestermere was the first to finish the 1km with a time of 4 minutes and 51 seconds.
Organizer, Bernie Maillet went on to say, “With long term goals of raising over $100,000 for the Library over the next ten years, this is hoped to be a successful, annual event. As to date we have raised over $50,000 dollars, with the help from the Provincial Government and local establishments. Thank you for your interest in helping us raise funds for the Chestermere Public Library. See you next year!”.
