MSC Trail Walk and Run planned for June 7

Participants took off in a mass start from last year’s MSC Trail Walk and Run. This year, the event will be at Memorial Park on June 7. (File Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

The 13th annual MSC Trail Walk and Run is planned for Sunday, June 7, at Memorial Park.

The location is a change from last year, when the event was held in Coronation Park, but it will return to the traditional location.

Participants will have the option of a 2.5 or five-kilometre route for their walk or run. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m., and the event takes place at 10:30 a.m.

The event will go ahead rain or shine, having only been canceled once in 13 years.

“Essentially, we will run it rain or shine as long as it’s safe to do it,” said Kathryn Leatherland, Tillsonburg Multi-Service Centre executive director.

Although there’s some exercise and fundraising involved, the emphasis of the event is on ensuring all participants, including youth, have a no-charge walk.

“The focus is fun for the group. This year, we’re including swag bags for the first 100 participants, there’s a barbecue and fun activities,” Leatherland said.

There will be a bouncy castle, face painting with Dotsy the Clown, and a barbecue, with Zehr’s providing the food.

“Even if you want to bring your dog for the jog, people will do that,” Leatherland said.

Those wanting to participate can register through the multi-service centre’s website or the event Facebook page.

“Once registered, they can send out fundraising emails to friends and family or in person with their fundraising envelope,” said organizer Jen Olcsvary.

The event is the Tillsonburg Multi-Service Centre’s largest fundraiser of the year, usually attracting about 100 participants. Besides participants finding sponsorship, event sponsors also help raise funds for the event.

Last year’s event raised $19,000 to go towards centre programming. This includes volunteer recruitment, literacy materials and tenology, employment support, and senior subsidies for Meals on Wheels and seniors’ transportation programs.

“Over the past year, we’re proud to support more than 5.000 inviduals through our employment, literacy, and home support programs. All the funds stay local,” Leatherland said.