News release - from the Rotary Club of Barrie
Each year in Barrie, the final Wednesday of May brings our community together for the unofficial kickoff of the summer season with the Rotary Club of Barrie’s “Fun Run."
This year marks the 35th annual Run/Walk and the first in-person event since 2019, after two virtual versions took place during COVID restriction periods.
To celebrate the 35th anniversary, this year’s event has been dubbed the “Retro Run.” Participants are encouraged to dress to represent their favourite decade from the 1950s through the '90s and beyond.
Each year, the event attracts more than a thousand participants who walk, run and stroll the various events and distances from the Southshore Centre along Barrie’s beautiful waterfront. And, each year, the event raises tens of thousands of dollars that support local charities including major pledges over the years to RVH, the YMCA, Georgian College and more.
This community event brings together large groups from local businesses, schools and non-profit organizations as well as families and individual participants of all ages and abilities. Social connection and exercise are a great antidote to many of the mental health and physical challenges we’ve faced as a community over two years of COVID concerns.
Online registration makes it easy to sign up as an individual or as part of a team and even to set up your own fundraising page to raise donations from family and friends in support of Rotary’s charitable work – what a great way to build motivation as participants prepare for this year’s Run/Walk.
The event features several different options for participants – a 5K walk; a 5K run and a 10K run. Their will also be a kids run at 6:15 – a nice short 250-metre race for our younger participants. Lots of fun activities are planned including music and warm-up exercises prior to the events and an '80s themed “Retro Dance Party” with a live band at the conclusion of the runs.
As event chair David Thompson points out: “After two years of virtual events, we are all excited to gather for Barrie’s annual kick off of the summer season – we are blessed with a beautiful waterfront, and we know Barrie is eager to come back and enjoy it together. We promise a high-energy, positive and family friendly event for all.”
And, there are options for participants to use their own route at their own time for those who may be concerned about gathering or who can’t make it on May 25.
At a Glance:
Event Name: Rotary Club of Barrie “Retro Run”
Date: May 25, 2022
Location: Southshore Centre - 205 Lakeshore Dr.
Time: 5:30 p.m. suggested arrival – races start at 6:15 p.m.
Cost: $40 per individual registration; $10 children including ribbon and freezie
Registration Link: https://events.barrierotary.com/home/fun-run
Barrie Rotary Website: https://www.barrierotary.com/
Barrie Rotary Social Media Twitter: @rotarybarrie Facebook address: https://www.facebook.com/barrierotary
