Ponoka’s Air Cadets, friends and family got into the fitness mode during a run aimed at raising funds to better their programs.
The Ponoka Air Cadet Society members and parent-teacher committee came together to host the second annual squad run Saturday, May 7 starting at the Scout Hall, explained organizer Heidi Scharf.
“It’s a fairly flat race. There’s a little bit of hills about halfway through the 10 km (run),” said Scharf.
There were three run routes: 3 km, 5 km and 10 km. This gave runners a chance to take a route that best suited their skills. Scharf said the routes were held mostly along the town’s river valley and trails with some points along Ponoka streets.
“We were really excited to do it. We were really thrilled with the support we had,” said Scharf.
She added that many of the people who took part last year joined in on the fun this year. Another benefit of the run is that all the proceeds go to benefiting Ponoka’s cadet program or to help pay for building rent and upkeep.
One area that Scharf was pleased to see is more than 30 volunteers came out to help ensure the run went smoothly. Folks were out along the route ensuring it was safe for runners as well as cooking a celebratory beef on a bun lunch.
“That’s one thing that’s really great about our parent committee with our squadron is that they do help out,” said Scharf. “They’re very vested in their kids.”