Run the Great Lakes raises thousands for local charities

More than 500 participants from both sides of the border gathered at the Delta Hotel on Sunday for this year’s Run the Great Lakes in support of ARCH Hospice and the Sault Area Hospital Foundation.

Runners, joggers, and walkers of all ages had the choice to venture on a 5 km or 10 km route along the waterfront, while children could also opt for a 1 km or 2 km fun run.

Despite some chillier conditions, event organizer Doug Richardson says the numbers were up significantly from last year and he was pleased with the overall atmosphere.

“There isn’t anything that comes close to this,” he says. “To get back to these numbers again is really good to see. It’s also nice to see all the kids get involved as well.”

While the final donation numbers are yet to be announced, Richardson estimates the total will likely be over $30,000 and could potentially hit $40,000 – all of which will go to ARCH and the Sault Area Hospital Foundation.

The cost to register was $40 for adults and $20 for kids.

Finishing first with an unofficial time of 35:26 in the 10 km, avid runner Daniel Scarpino trains upwards of six times each week.

A Grade 8 teacher at CASS, Scarpino says he loves the community aspect of Run the Great Lakes and enjoys supporting meaningful causes like ARCH.

“This cause is absolutely brilliant,” he says. “To see the turnout today; everyone’s unified, and at a lot of races you don’t get that. You get the people who are trying to compete, you get the people who are just doing it for a t-shirt. But here, it’s for a bigger cause, and everyone really gets that.”

Scarpino has been involved with Run the Great Lakes for nearly ten years. Sunday marked his third win at the event, previously winning a half marathon and another 10 km race.

But it’s not about crossing the finish line first according to the school teacher.

“It’s about the community aspect and what it’s going towards,” he says. “It’s great to see our running community come together when events are put on like this. It makes for a great day and I’m really happy to be a part of it.”

Meanwhile, Superior Heights student Peter Gartshore was the first 5 km runner to cross the finish line – but he didn’t realize it right away.

“I thought he (Scarpino) was in front of us,” he says. “But he was doing the 10 km. I was pretty surprised.”

Completing the run with an unofficial time of 18:38, the Grade 10 student was excited to participate in Run the Great Lakes again for the first time in several years.

“It feels good to be back,” he says. “This is a good fundraiser for good things, and it feels good to participate.”

Run the Great Lakes has raised approximately $250,000 for local charities since its inception 25 years ago.