By Sarah Wallace

Fun run with a purpose returns to P.A.

Aug 24, 2016 | 7:02 AM

An annual fun run in Prince Albert is a way for families stay active, stay together and help-out the community, while they’re at it. 

The eighth annual Gift of Mercy Fun Run is coming up on Sept. 10 and will feature 2 K, 5 K and 10 K runs.

Organizer Ron Poetker encouraged families to sign-up for a good cause.

“The premise behind it is to have a fun activity for families, that’s why we call it a fun run. The goal is to raise money for those that are more disadvantaged then we are,” he said.

Poetker said all entry fees are donated to three different charities which supply basic human needs like food, shelter and water.

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The beneficiaries this year will be the Share-A-Meal Food Bank, the YWCA’s Our House and a water project in Uganda.

“When somebody signs up for the run their registration fee goes entirely towards one of those charities. It also allows that charity to benefit directly, without a middle man, from their donations from the registration fee,” Poetker said.

The Prince Albert Mintos hockey team will participate in the event as part of their community involvement. Poetker called their involvement beneficial for both the team and the run.

Last year’s event raised roughly $3,000 and over $32,000 has been raised since the run began seven years ago.

“Every year it’s been growing, last year we had 110 runners and this year we’re hoping for 150 runners,” Poetker said. “It’s been an encouraging sign to see people in the community say, ‘you know, I think it’s a worthwhile project’ and it’s meeting the needs of humans in the areas of food, shelter and water.”

Following the run there will be food and prizes. Poetker is encouraging people to come dressed in a costume for a chance to win a prize.

Registration is a minimum fee of $30 for an individual or $100 for a family of any size but Poetker said people are more than welcome to donate over that.

Participants can register either by stopping by Fresh Air Experience, Affinity Insurance, Advantage Real Estate or any number of gyms in the city to fill-out an entry form. Forms can then be dropped off at the Alliance Church.  

People are encouraged to register early but can register the day of the run also.

swallace@panow.com

On Twitter and Instagram: @sarahthesquid