Run the North Challenges Regional Students, Businesses, Organizations & Communities to Lace Up this June!
Thunder Bay, ON, May 6, 2022 – United Way of Thunder Bay, joined by the Indigenous Youth Achievement and Recognition Awards and Wasaya Airways, are excited to announce the third annual Run the North event presented by Newmont and Bell Canada. The community challenge and largest race in Northwestern Ontario invites individuals from all across region to join the fun run between June 9th and June 19th, 2022.
Registrants in Run the North can participate in the event from any location and on any day during the event dates. They can walk, run, bike, or hike a 1k or 5k distance. “Your pace, your race! This event is created for everyone of all ages and all fitness levels,” explains Sharon Smith-Baxter, Manager of Communications and Marketing with Wasaya Airways. “You can do your activities individually, participate as a family, or even get together with coworkers or members from your local gym!”
Today, Run the North top fundraisers and champions joined together to challenge students, businesses, organizations and communities from across the region. 10 year-old Aubrey, a Grade Five student at St.Martin School, has been leading the way as the top fundraiser for the entire Run the North campaign for two years in a row. In total, Aubrey has raised over $4,700 Run the North. “
Aubrey was joined by Rob Mozzon Regional Managing Partner for Northern Ontario from MNP, and members from the OPP, all putting the challenge out into the region to Run the North. Individuals also have the opportunity to participate in an in-person fun run this year on Saturday, June 18th at Boulevard Lake in Thunder Bay. The event is limited to the first 150 registrants.
All Run the North participants receive a race kit including a medal and race bib. Those who do additional fundraising or share their race journeys on social media will be eligible to win additional prizes. Last year, the non-competitive race had 345 participants from over 31 communities across the region raise over $27,000.
“It’s been a long winter, so it’s time to get outside, get active, and RUN THE NORTH! Whatever your reason for participating this year, the funds you raise support local youth in your community,” says Jodie Wilson, Director of Philanthropy & Community Engagement of United Way of Thunder Bay.
“Lace up, join in the fun and let’s crush some serious kilometers across Northwestern Ontario! This year, we are excited to expand on the success of the campaign, with a goal to have 500 participants raise more than $30,000.”
Funds raised through this event will be invested in youth programming funded by the United Way of Thunder Bay and Indigenous Youth Achievement and Recognition Awards. The United Way of Thunder Bay advocates to create positive support systems, build self-esteem, and expose youth to positive role models, empowering youth to reach their full potential. Indigenous Youth Achievement and Recognition Awards focuses on recognizing and honoring Indigenous youth along their journey as they look forward to new and innovative ways of learning and planning for their future.
Click Here to register for Run the North. Those who register by May 13th, will be entered into the Early Bird draw for a chance to win an iPad. Official Run the North 2022 t-shirts are also available for purchase to support the cause.
