RANKIN INLET - A corporate challenge will be held in conjunction with the Midnight Sun Run this coming June in Rankin Inlet.

The Midnight Sun Run is a charity fundraiser that hopes to buy every kid in Rankin gym shoes.

Kivalliq Chamber of Commerce president Ellie Cansfield came up with the idea earlier this month, of holding a corporate challenge in support of June's Midnight Sun Run in Rankin Inlet. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

The event will be held on June 22, with participants walking or running to Apache Pass from Rankin.

Event co-organizer Carla Punshon said Kivalliq Chamber of Commerce president Ellie Cansfield brought up the idea of the corporate challenge shortly after the chamber's annual general meeting in Rankin.

She said the corporate challenge was integrated into the Midnight Sun Run, with a portion of its proceeds going towards the shoes-for-kids program.

"The rest of the money raised by the corporate challenge will be donated to the winners' charities of choice in the Kivalliq region," said Punshon.

"That way the charitable side of things could get expanded to anywhere in the region, depending on who wins the challenge.

"It's kind of like two things rolled into one event to benefit more people."

The May 1 deadline for the $20 early bird registration for the Midnight Sun Run is fast approaching and Punshon said organizers are encouraging people to register as soon as possible.

The group hopes to have at least 100 people signed up for the event by the deadline.

Punshon said people can register through herself, Fred Montpetit or Tish Wilson at the Tapariit building, or by going online at www.midnightsunrun.net.

She said the deadline gives the organizers time to order T-shirts and medals and have them arrive in time for the event.

"We're hoping everyone will take the time to get their registrations in to us on time so we can place the order for the number of participant medals and T-shirts we'll need.

"The manufacturing companies require four to six weeks to ensure the products are here for race day.

"Everyone will still be welcome to come to the event, but we may not have enough prizes to go around if people register late."