Run and Roll attracts 700 participants

from Southpoint Sun - May 10, 2023

Wheatley Public School open house a big hit

By Mark Ribble

The cloudy skies held off and eventually turned to sunshine to help welcome over 700 competitors to the third annual Erie Shores Health Foundation Run and Roll on Sunday, May 7.

As one of the signature fundraisers for the ESHF, the Run and Roll format has gained in attendance and popularity over the past three years. Prior to that, known as Lifewalk, it raised thousands for the Health Foundation.

ESHF Development and Events Officer, Gloria Cavenago, was thrilled with the turnout and offered thanks up to her crew and the many sponsors that always make a difference for the event.

“To our sponsors and our army of volunteers, we cannot do this without you and are grateful for your loyalty each and every year,” she said. “If there is such a thing as a dream team, this is it. I’m proud to call you all friends.”

The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County Executive Director, Nancy Brockenshire, thanked the participants for their involvement in such a worthwhile cause.

“Community support is wonderful,” she said. “We so appreciate you coming out. You make a difference.”

The morning began with the half marathon timed run, followed by the new Kids Road Runner 400m dash, the 25k bike ride, the 5k timed run, 5k walk and the 11k slow roll bike ride.

Several vendors were on site and treated participants to samples, nourishment and encouragement.

The event honoured about 50 loved ones lost over the past years with a tribute wall, and each participant was given the opportunity to honour someone they lost by signing the memory wall.

In addition to individual participants, there were 40 teams who raised about $62,000 for the event.

While the totals had not been announced as of press time, organizers are expecting to have those figures soon.

Through participant pledges, entry fees, sponsorships and donations, the final tally is expected to be a very welcomed amount.