'Community Strong' race weekend has something extra for the kids

The third annual United Steelworkers Union Local 2724 Community Strong Race Weekend is back June 22 and 23 in support of the Algoma Family Services Foundation.

Race organizers say they are bringing back their main lineup of events along with a new 1km Kids Fun Run.

The Community Strong Race Weekend consists of various races over the weekend and many family activities including the 5km colour run, 10km, half-marathon and marathon.

Newly introduced last year, the marathon course is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying course.

This past April, local runner Andy Haidar ran the Boston Marathon after qualifying on the CSRW course in June 2023.

"If you’ve been looking to qualify and don’t want to travel out of town, this is the run for you," run organizers said in a news release.

The Community Strong Race Weekend promises something for everyone: you can register for the marathon to qualify for the Boston Marathon, use it as a stand-alone event to run your personal best, set a personal record over the distance, or sign up for a fun day out being active with family and friends.

• Saturday, June 22 – 1km Kids Fun Run, 5km Colour Run, 10km
• Sunday, June 23 – Half-Marathon, Boston Qualifying Marathon

The weekend will help the AFS Foundation raise funds to support the multiple Algoma Family Services Mental Health programs for infants, children, youth and their families in Sault Ste. Marie and the Algoma District.

Various levels of sponsorship are available, run organizers say. For a list of sponsorship opportunities or more information, contact the CSRW team at 705-945-5058, ext. 2670 or [email protected]

To register for the event, visit www.saultstrong.ca. You can also stay up to date on their social media pages: Facebook (Community Strong Race Weekend) and Instagram (SaultStrong).