Fun Fest 5k brings cheers and medals for a cause

by Garrett Fodor

From footsteps pounding the pavement to cheers of excitement, Sadler’s Nature Park was the scene Sunday for one of the Essex Fun Fest’s latest features – The 5k Walk, Run, and Wheel. 

  The event is in its second iteration, inviting the community to get active and enjoy the green spaces of Essex as part of the Essex Fun Fest weekend. The event is designed as a timed, but non-competitive event, bringing together the community around two common goals: encouraging activity and raising proceeds that will be donated to the Essex Area Food Bank.

  It invites all skill levels of runners, walkers, riders, and wheelers to participate in the event, which routes around Sadler’s Nature Park and the surrounding area, before looping back into the park.

  “We’ve seen the community support for the Fun Fest, from the parade and fireworks, and now to this, and it’s special to see our event now featured and recognized as a part of the Fun Fest each year,” Rachel Wilbee described, who helped to co-organize the event. “We are so proud to see it grow and bring people together, being active and enjoying themselves, while helping those in need.”

  As a part of the event, participants were able to mingle before and after the walk, enjoying refreshments and snacks, which were donated by local businesses, while showing sportsmanship and camaraderie as they waited for all of the participants to return from their run. When each participant crossed the finish line, they were presented with a medal for their achievement from the title sponsor, Brady’s Drugstore. 

  Nearly 100 participants made up the field, while others cheered them on at the finish line.

  Last year’s event featured just over 50 participants, who were able to raise around $7,000, which was donated to the local food bank. This year, they believe nearly $10,000 will be raised.

  “I feel very proud seeing the event grow from what just started with an idea between two people,” Lauryn Smith added, who helped to co-organize the event. “We are so grateful to the community for their continued support, whether it be the sponsorship from businesses, like Brady’s Drugstore, BrokerLink, Canadian Tire, and countless others, or the participants, it has been incredible.”

  Both Smith and Wilbee are thankful to everyone who participated, and they hope to continue the event for years to come.