GORE BAY—The Gore Bay-Gordon/Barrie Island volunteer fire department held a very successful five kilometre (and eight kilometre) run/walk this past weekend as part of the town of Gore Bay Harbour Days celebrations.
The event drew a total of 35 entrants, 16 runners, in the five kilometre run, with three walkers and eight runners in the eight kilometre run, along with eight walkers.
“I would like to wish everyone a good morning,” stated firefighter Skip Bloxham, the main organizer of the event at the opening of the race held last Saturday. “We have both a five or eight kilometre run/walk. Thanks once again for coming out,” he said noting, “I would like to thank Greg Bond, an experienced runner, for his guidance in putting on this event.”
Mr. Bloxham noted the fire department had received tremendous sponsorship for the event, with Manitoulin Transport, H and R Noble Construction, Split Rail Brewing, Guardian Central Pharmacy, McQuarrie Motors, McLaughlin Real Estate, Fogals of Manitoulin and Island Promotional Products, as well as from volunteers who helped out, and some people who just offered donations.
As for the results in the men’s 5K run, Greg Bond took first place with Ory Menzies second and Jim Stewart third. In the women’s 5K run, Elizabeth Van Every was first followed by Cindy Beaulieu and Marla Haring in second and third, respectively.
The men’s 8K run saw Brad Wright first, John Gordon second and Scott Kirkness third. In the women’s 8K run, Lindsay Moreau-Verla took top spot with Lily Gambin second and Terri Lynn Leighton, third.
In the eight kilometre walks there was a two-way tie for first with Rae Mason and Steve Mason finishing first.
The five kilometre walk also saw a tie for first with Barb Rayner and Colleen Smith.
“There are two main objectives with holding this five and eight kilometre run/walk: to fundraise for equipment for the fire department and to promote community fitness,” said Mr. Bloxham. “All the funds raised from the event will be going toward fire department equipment.”
