Racers of all ages and abilities will rant to dust off and lace up their runners as Napanee’s Heritage 5K and Kids’ 1-Miler is set to return June 18.
The popular event is back for the first time since 2019 with a few additions to go with the same course that highlights some of Greater Napanee’s historic and scenic sites. Both the 5K and kids race will again begin and end outside the L&A County Museum and Archives at 97 Thomas Street E in Napanee.
“This year, we are adding a team category where groups of co-workers, friends or family can join together for the opportunity to win team prizes,” said Heather Giffin, who returns as one of the event organizers alongside Erin Bos Gregory and Jeff and Tricia Cammaart. “Live music, locally sourced food treats, professional photography and access to the L&A County Museum and Archives for the day are back on the menu for this year’s event. Another highlight is always our Kids 1-miler event. See if watching 100 little ones run their hearts out doesn’t make you shed a tear.”
In 2019 the event drew over 200 participants ranging from age five to 80. Kingston’s Adam Andrecyk finished first with a time of 17:54.12. While there are those who enter to try and claim the top spot, the run encourages all abilities to take part.
“Our goal this year is to surpass previous years for 5K registration and hit 300 runners, walkers and wheelers,” said Giffin.”We are hoping others in the community are as excited as we are to come back together and celebrate our community of Napanee, health and wellness, and the opportunity to give back.”
Proceeds from the registration will once again be put towards a cause that promotes physical fitness and activity in the community.
“This year marks the second of a three-year commitment of Gold Sponsorship from Gibbard District,” said Giffin. “We are working toward the creation of an outdoor adult fitness park that will be situated near the new Gibbard District buildings and accessible to all in our community. In our first four years, we have raised and donated just shy of $50,000 in support of projects from youth to seniors, including Rotary Park construction, the Seniors Outreach 55+ activity program and the new NDSS outdoor track.”
“If anyone is interested in being a part of our event, there are many ways to contribute,” she added. “We raise money through participant registration as well as through sponsorship from local businesses. As many small businesses have suffered the past two years, we are honoured to so far have received several offers for repeat sponsorship. We are always open to chatting with small business owners in the community to see if our vision aligns with theirs. Anyone interested in volunteering on race day (bring your cheering voice) can email us at: napaneeheritagerace@gmail.com.”
For more information on the race and to register, visit https://www.napaneeheritagerace.com/run-info. Early bird registration is available until April 4.