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Estimates placed the number of people to participate in Baker Lake's Terry Fox Run earlier this month at around 650. - photo courtesy of Brad Mainse |
Going the distance for Terry About 650 people take part in annual run in Baker Lake
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, September 25, 2013
BAKER LAKE
Students at Jonah Amitnaaq Secondary School (JASS) and Rachel Arngnammaktiq Elementary School took to their running shoes in support of the annual Terry Fox Run in Baker Lake earlier this month.
The two schools have participated in the event for more than a decade.
About 650 students, staff members, parents and other community members took part in this year's run.
Teacher Brad Mainse reported the elementary school raised $1,165 for the Fox run, while JASS raised just more than $846.
Mainse said the RCMP go in front of the runners, leading the way for them as they travel eight kilometres to the airport and back.
He said the schools allow students from Grade 2 and up to try and run the entire distance.
"We have a handful of younger students who will make it out to the airport and back each year," said Mainse.
"Most of the older students also complete the entire distance."
The event has always been supported well by Baker's business community.
Mainse said keeping hydrated is important for kids on a long run, and Calm Air and Peter's Expediting
always answer the call.
"Calm Air had a snack-and-water stand at the airport, so kids could have some quick snacks and lots of water before heading back.
"Peter's has also been great to us over the years.
"The business is about two-thirds of the way to the airport, so that makes for a good turn-around point for a lot of people.
"Peter's stand is important because it ensures the kids get lots of water on the way to the airport and on the way back."
The young students collect donations for two or three days before the run.
Mainse said he encourages the elementary kids to fundraise with family to help prevent the run from becoming too stressful to the community.
He said the town is well covered if everyone stays with their own family.
"We don't want everyone's doors being banged on constantly.
"The younger kids are pretty energetic and eager to fundraise, and many of them even donate their own change.
"I tell them if everyone gets $2 to $5, that's good for the size of our school, and it gives them goals to shoot for.
"The kids were all invited back to JASS after the run for hotdogs, bananas and milk, which is a great way to finish a good run."
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