Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Registration is now open to racers of all ages and abilities for the June 15th Napanee Heritage 5k and Kids 1-Miler.
This will mark the seventh running of the event, which transforms the streets of Greater Napanee into a twisting race course that highlights several historical sites.
All races start and end at the Lennox and Addington Museum and Archives, with the kids’ course for those 12 and under looping two times in a rectangular shape along East Street to Isabella Street, turning onto John Street and returning to Thomas Street E.
The 5k takes participants to culturally significant buildings such as the Macpherson House, the train station and through the downtown core. The event is professionally timed but participants are welcome to jog or walk the course at their own pace if they so choose. Last year’s fastest time was posted by Andrew Lupenette at 15:34 while the fastest female was Anna Workman at 16:44.
“Early bird rates for this year’s race are in effect until March 31,” said race organizer Heather Giffin. “We have new ‘swag’ options this year, including shirts and custom RUN HERITAGE LuluLemon hats. There is no cap for the 5k run or walk. There is a cap of 125 runners in the Kids 1-Miler (max age 12) for course safety purposes.”
Registration can be done at www.napaneeheritagerace.com/. Those that register before March 31 pay $40 and anyone who signs up after that date will pay $45. The Kids 1-Miler is $15 and includes a participation ribbon and race kid-with the option to add a tech shirt for an additional $25.
Money raised to the event supports a local cause that encourages community fitness.
“We completed our three-year collaboration with Gibbard District in 2023. Last year, we raised $19,000 toward the project. As soon as the north side extension of the river side trail is open, we will be working to install outdoor fitness stations at intervals along the trail,” said Giffin. “This year, in collaboration with the Napanee Fair Board, we are building an outdoor disc golf course on the Napanee Fairgrounds property. We aim to have the course fully constructed and operational this summer, and will be hosting a free ‘learn to play’ evening for all community members once it is in place.”