Hospice Lifewalk raises $124,500

LEAMINGTON — Despite a less-than-favourable forecast, sunny skies prevailed for the 5th Annual Erie Shores Health Foundation Lifewalk to support Erie Shores Hospice on Sunday, June 27.

About 197 participants entered one of the three main events for the Lifewalk, which incorporated a timed half marathon, a timed 5k run and an untimed recreational 5k walk/run.

Participants in the 5k recreational walk/run get started on their trek.

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All three events included gathering pledges and, with the help of many sponsors, a total of $124,500 was raised as of Sunday morning’s event start.

Previous events started and finished at Seacliff Park, but with COVID precautions in place, a change of venue for this year was warranted, and the event was based at the Erie Shores Hospice parking lot.

A planned 25k slow-roll bicycle ride had to be cancelled due to COVID limitations.

Numerous volunteers manned the start-finish line and many local businesses made donations of food, water and swag for the participants.

Half marathon competitors exit the starting area on their way down Nancy Avenue.

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Entertainment was done in two areas, with Dan Woods and Bob Gabriele playing live music and a DJ booth playing up-tempo motivational music at the start.

The 5k timed run went off in groups of 5-8 at staggered intervals. Above, the start and below, two competitors finish the course.