A Lethbridge firefighter completed the 10k run through Lethbridge’s river valley in full gear at this year’s Moonlight Run.

Huddled together at dusk, the early spring weather nips at the runners’ legs while they wait for the pistol to send them off. The Moonlight Run trails down Lethbridge’s iconic coulees and is illuminated by only bobbing headlamps and gleams of the moon. Passion for the sport and the community combine here, creating a sold-out event. Each year, thousands of people gather downtown, blocking streets and overflowing Casa’s plaza. What was once a simple local race has evolved into one of Lethbridge’s most anticipated community gatherings.  

Since its beginning 39 years ago, the Moonlight Run has created success through numbers. Experienced runner Carol Thibert is one of five participants who has attended since day one.

“I don’t think there were much more than 100 people,” she said, describing it as originally small and intimate. Today the event makes for an accessible run that attracts both long-standing athletes and newcomers. 

Friends dressed as Barbie celebrate making it over the finish line at this year’s Moonlight Run in downtown Lethbridge.

The sensation of this race has turned it into something greater, a substantial fundraiser that functions through all the registrations. One of the long-serving organizers, Fred Baskerville, explains the charities can change over the years.

“Last year we took $5,000 and split it between the two food banks here in town,” he said. This year they are sending $5,000 to the Cardiac Centre of Excellence, which has a goal of making cardiac care more accessible for Lethbridge patients. 

According to an article about government investments in local health services by David Opinko published by Lethbridge News Now on March 2, 2026, “currently, more than 1,300 patients are transferred out of southern Alberta to Calgary for cardiac services.” Funds for causes like this one are built up from not only registration, but merch with specialized designs for each year.  

To make this all possible, Baskerville explains there is a balanced committee of 12 that puts in the work year-round. All with their individual duties, ranging from setting up the finish line to corporate sponsorship. One of their largest sponsors is the local running store Runners Soul. Behind this dedicated team lies an even larger support system made up of volunteers.  

“We rely on a core of about 200 to 250 volunteers, and for example, for the finish line, 20 years ago I think it was, we started to get bigger and bigger and it was too much for me to handle by myself. We started taking in the university track club and they are the muscle that help me put up the finish line,” Baskerville said. 

During the race, there are said to be around 40 people working the finish line alone. On top of that, volunteers will help with everything related to course setup, registration support, and safety that ensures a smooth operation. With her consistent attendance, Thibert has recognized the depth of organization that goes into the Moonlight Run. 

“I mean, it takes a tremendous amount of work to put that on. And so, I really would like to thank the volunteers and somehow express my appreciation for keeping these things going because it’s not a struggle, but it’s an effort.” 

From volunteers to runners, Thibert says she believes the race has become a social event due to how strong the community has grown. “And Runners Soul, who has really created this community since they’ve opened up, or at least expanded it.” With the 40^th year up next, organizers remain focused on their mission to bring Lethbridge’s community together.