After a two-year pause, Edgewood Treatment Centre will hold its long-awaited 10th annual Run for Recovery at Westwood Lake Park in Nanaimo.
This year’s run will be held on Friday, June 10, where the registration begins at 5:30 p.m. and the race starts at 6:30 p.m. sharp.
“We are super ecstatic to be back up and running,” said Bonnie Bartlett, race director with Edgewood Treatment.
Due to COVID-19 related restrictions, the last Run for Recovery was held in 2019, and while safety is still top of mind, Bartlett said the event will still go ahead. Hand sanitization will be accessible, and hands-on contact will be limited.
“We are just really looking forward to being able to gather as a community and raise awareness and get people out in a safe fashion,” said Bartlett.
Money raised for this year’s event will help support the New Start Foundation for Addiction and Mental Health. In previous years, the race supported the Canadian Mental Health Association, Haven Society and the Island Crisis Care Society.
Bartlett said the goal for this year’s race is to not only raise awareness and come together as a community, but to also show people that recovery is possible and to break the stigma associated with mental health disorders and substance use.
“We hear about these numbers, but they’re not just numbers; they’re people in our community. They’re our colleagues, they’re our friends, they’re our peers, they’re our family members. If we can just bring people together and help those individuals feel supported and know that there are options out there for them,” said Bartlett.
Aside from the main race, Friday’s event will also include a barbecue, silent auction, bouncy castle, face painting and music.
Bidders in the silent auction might see B.C. Lions tickets, a ‘night in Tofino’ package, a whale or bear watching trip, as well as multiple gift cards and various baskets donated from local supporters.
“Even if you’re not a serious runner, there’s so many other activities taking place. And what a great way to spend a Friday evening in the park,” said Bartlett.
Participants looking to attend the race can pre-register online at www.events.runningroom.com/site/17591/run-for-recovery-addiction-awareness-2022/ or onsite Friday before the race.
READ MORE: Run for Recovery in Nanaimo raises $12K for Island Crisis Care Society
mandy.moraes@nanaimobulletin.com
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