Felix Rondeau and Hannah Killins jog together at the Run for the Pumpkin 4k event on Sept. 21 at Nicholas Sheran Park. The race was won by Bentley Vaz. Photo by Rachel Gilmour

For many Lethbridge community members, running is more than just a physical activity; it’s a pathway to joy and self-discovery.

From the pulsing sound of shoes hitting the cement to the adrenaline of crossing a finish line, running offers a unique blend of freedom and fulfillment to everyone, regardless of age or ability.

Simon Schaerz, Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks cross-country and indoor track head coach emphasizes the significant benefits of running, especially after a race.

“The adrenaline rush and the endorphins you get at the end of a race or running in general, are great when it comes to the benefits of running,” said Schaerz.

Last month, the Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks cross country and indoor track team proudly hosted the 37th annual Run for the Pumpkin event for the first time.

This inclusive event featured both a two-kilometre race and a four-kilometre race, along with a four-kilometre invitational challenge for high school cross-country teams to participate in.

Participants at this event ranged in age from under six to 35, showcasing the event’s broad appeal.

Keegan Hartery, a Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks cross-country athlete, says for some people running can serve as a supportive outlet during stressful times, offering a positive way to focus and cope throughout a lifetime.

“If you’re feeling stressed or anxious or whatever is going on with your life, you can just kind of lean on running as a bit of a crutch to help you through moments and it’s just something to look forward to. It’s like a lifelong hobby,” Hartery said.

Lethbridge offers a variety of community running possibilities, inviting everyone to participate.

The Henderson Lake parkrun offers the local community a chance to come together regularly, appreciate the outdoors and maintain an active lifestyle. This free five-kilometre event occurs every Saturday at 9 a.m. in Henderson Lake Park, located just off Parkside Drive South in Lethbridge.

Runner’s Soul also organizes running events to engage the community. Currently, they are putting out weekly routes called “ExploreYQL” until April to give runners a new route to try every week to explore the Lethbridge area.

Their upcoming 12th Annual Holiday Run Streak in December is a challenge to motivate people to maintain their running routines during the holiday season. If participants run at least a mile a day for the month they will be entered to win a daily draw prize.

These fun running events are designed to promote fitness and foster a sense of community and togetherness.

According to an article by Duck-chul Lee published in Science Direct on March 30, 2017, “Running is a popular and convenient leisure-time physical activity with a significant impact on longevity. In general, runners have a 25 per cent to 40 per cent reduced risk of premature mortality and live approximately 3 years longer than non-runners.”

Running is not just a physical activity; it also benefits our mental health and helps us connect with others and the beautiful world around us.

So, lace up your shoes, step outside, and discover the transformative power of running—your journey awaits.