People interested in taking part in the inaugural Willow Creek Wilderness Walk/Run on May 25 will have to hurry.
The deadline to register for the event is Friday, May 3 so organizers can order T-shirts and food.
“For a first event it’s going very well,” organizer Stasha Donahue said Friday.
Seventy people had registered by the end of last week from Fort Macleod, Coalhurst, Pincher Creek, Lethbridge, Claresholm and Brooks.
“It’s not just Fort Macleod people so that’s great too,” Donahue said. “It’s bringing people to the town.”
Organizers will limit registration to 250 walkers and runners to keep things manageable.
The half marathon starts at 8 a.m. west of the water treatment plant, crosses the Mackenzie bridge and continues into River Valley Wilderness Park.
The 10-kilometre route begins at 9 a.m. at the same point and the five-kilometre event starts at 10 a.m.
“I think it will be very pleasant,” Donahue said of the event taking place in the river valley.
Organizers chose the staggered start deliberately.
“Ideally everybody will be back at the same time,” Donahue said.
That’s so people can get together for a post run-walk barbecue.
The event is being promoted as an entry level walk and run, in order to make it appealling to a vast number of Fort Macleod residents.
There will be a large clock stationed at the finish line so people can time themselves but the emphasis is on participation and fun.
The $25 registration fee includes a T-shirt being designed by Fort Macleod artist Trish Hoskin.
There will be a post-race brunch for participants and volunteers.
This year, any money left over after bills are paid will be donated to Fort Macleod Allied Arts.
Fort Macleod Agencies has offered to pay for insurance for the event. Luigi’s Restaurant is donating hamburgers for the barbecue.
Other companies are providing cash support.
“I’m just thrilled with those who have stepped up in so many ways,” Donahue said.
To register send a cheque for $25 made out to Willow Creek Wilderness Walk/Run to P.O. Box 1364, Fort Macleod, T0L 0Z0.
Volunteers are needed to fill a variety of roles. To volunteer contact Denise Joel at 403-553-2787.
For information or to donate contact Stasha Donahue at 403-308-0410 or danu1@platinum.ca.