It’s getting late. After a long Saturday of sleeping in, shaking off the pressures of the week and lounging about in front of the television, the last thing many people want to do is go for a run.
However, March 20 was an exception.Every year, members of the community meet outside the Lethbridge Centre mall to participate in the Moonlight Run. It doesn’t matter if they’re professional runners, or simply beginners looking to take a brisk walk.
Put on by the local athletic store, Runner’s Soul, the Moonlight Run is now in its 23rd year. Though Lethbridge offers its runners many different racing opportunities throughout the year, the Moonlight Run is unique. First, where most races are held long before lunchtime, the Moonlight Run is aptly named with a start time of 8 p.m.
“I think when we initially started it, it had a unique atmosphere, as it is dark,” says Shawn Pinder, owner of Runner’s Soul and race director. “It was because nobody else was doing it. It is definitely one of the good things about the event.”
Another element, which makes this race an attraction to citizens, is its casual, fun nature. Indeed, other races offer a source of entertainment for their participants; however, the Moonlight Run’s atmosphere is one that seems to go beyond the competitive nature of a race. It becomes a time of community involvement, participation and togetherness.
“Because it was so much fun at first, the party atmosphere developed into a non-threatening atmosphere,” says Pinder.
Participants can register in either the 6 km or 10 km races, both wind their way down the Wendy’s hill and into the coulees.
After the race is complete, the medal awards ceremony takes place at the Lethbridge Centre mall. Here, participants are given a complimentary piece of pizza, a pop, and a cookie while they sit and watch their fellow competitors receive their awards.
“A lot of people end up getting awards for the race – even lots of people who don’t know about it,” says Pinder. “There are lots of throw-outs.”
This year, Lethbridge College track team members Willy Kimosop took home the gold in the 6 km race, while assistant coach Kip Kangogo won first place in the 10 km section.
However, the medals are not simply given to the first three winners of the race. Instead, it is broken down into both gender and age categories.
The Moonlight Run marks the beginning of the racing season for many of its participants. However, for those who are not dedicated runners, it also offers a chance for them to get out, get some fresh air and experience a unique athletic event.