The Ponoka Air Cadets’ first ever annual #65 Air Cadet Squad Run was a triumph, with more than 100 entrants racing to raise funds for the squad.
“There was 102 runners. That’s awesome for a first run,” said race director Lori Falkiner.
Approximately $2,500 was raised, which will go to support the squad’s activities. “That’s not bad for a first run,” said Falkiner.
The race took place Saturday, May 2. There were routes for every level of athletic ability with three-, five- and 10-kilometer options. Each race started and finished at the Ponoka Scout Hall.
“I think Ponoka is a very active community,” said Falkiner. She says many of the participants expressed their joy in having such a race in Ponoka.
Many of the volunteers working the race route were the cadets, officers and members of the executive parents’ committee. “And that’s the parents’ job, to raise the money so the kids and the squad can do what they need to,” she explained.
Next year’s race is already being looked at and Falkiner is hoping, as word of mouth spreads, it gets even more sponsors to cover the race so a greater portion of the proceeds can go to the Air Cadets.
However, Falkiner is grateful to the multitude sponsors who did step up to the plate to help support the cadets. “We had great community support from businesses and sponsors,” she concluded.