LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON - Thirty-two residents of Fort Simpson walked, ran or biked their way towards a healthier lifestyle on June 29.

The inaugural Simpson Air Fun Run was held in the village on Sunday morning. Starting at the Recreation Centre participants moved at their own pace and traveled either 3, 5 or 10 kilometers along a course that led down the main street and up the hill.

Scot Humphrey, left, Robert Harold and Allan Humphrey were among 32 people who participated in the Simpson Air Fun Run in Fort Simpson. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

While enjoying juice and pieces of fruit at the Recreation Centre after their exercise participants spoke enthusiastically about the event.

"It was great fun," said Deborah Stipdonk who walked five kilometers.

It was nice to see a variety of people participate in the event, said Stipdonk. Participants ranged from children under a year old to older adults.

"I really liked that it accommodated all sorts of different ages and abilities," Stipdonk said.

Resting his bike on the stand outside the centre Robert Harold said he decided to ride the longest distance, 10 kilometers, because the other distances were too short. "It was fun."

Going up the hill was hard but the rest of the ride was easy, said Harold. Going on the ride was a way to be physically active instead of sitting inside and watching television, he said.

Residents who missed this fun run will have other chance to get involved over the summer. Dan Deschamps, the village's recreation director, plans to hold a fun run once a month until September.

The event is all about getting out, having a good time and keeping fit, said Deschamps.

People in the North are starting to realize that recreation isn't just about sports like hockey and soccer and the department is trying to provide different options to encouraging healthier lifestyles, he said.

"Basically it's just a good way to start the day," said Deschamps about the fun run.

There are no prizes for the fastest participants. Every person, however, was asked to log their time so they have an idea of how long it took them and so they have an incentive to go faster at the next event, said Deschamps.

After expecting a maximum of 15 people to participate, Deschamps said he was "happily surprised," by the turnout of 32 people.

The recreation department organized the fun run and Simpson Air sponsored the drinks and fruit.