The Foodfare-Winnipeg Police Half Marathon celebrates its 20th running

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The Foodfar-Winnipeg Police Service Half Marathon, which started as a one-time community event that organizers hoped would attract a few hundred runners, celebrated its 20th running on Sunday thanks to perfect weather.

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“It got to 400, 500, 600, and we stopped selling (registrations) at 1,000, and then we realized it was a really good fundraiser for the cancer society, so we had to keep going,” recalled race director Nick Paulet, organizer of the race. . First race with wife and some friends. “What's really holding us back is the sun. The week before[race day]it's a very long week for the team, a lot of long days and I say to the new guys, 'Wait until Sunday'. Sunday came and everyone hugged and was happy with each other. The first year I didn't think so (it would take so long), but now it all makes sense.”

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The Foodfare-WPS half marathon, two-person relay and 5K event officially kicks off Manitoba's running season. More than 2,000 runners participated this year.

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“20 is obviously a great mile for us, it's not a half marathon,” Paulet said. “But I think what we're really looking at right now is we've got 2,000 runners coming back post-Covid. The whole running community is strong and for us, especially as police officers, it's a great reminder and opportunity to engage with the community to show how positive community and support can be. It's also the cause of cancer research, and it brings us all together.”

All funds raised from this year's event will go to the Canadian Cancer Society to support research to help children affected by brain cancer in Manitoba.

“(Cancer) is unfortunately one of the things that brings us all together and fortunately one of the things that brings us all together,” Paulette said. “It allows us to come together every day like today and unite behind a common goal.”

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Foodfare has been the main sponsor since the beginning.

“At first we were honored to be asked,” said Münter Zeid of Foodfare. “We were very honored to be one of the little guys asked to be involved in something like this. We understand that someone is just starting out and wants support and support for something like this. It's good to know that 20 years later, this event has been supported and funded by only Winnipeggers and Manitobans from the beginning until now.”

Like many runners and many families in Manitoba, Zeid's family has been affected by cancer. In 2011, Zaid's eldest son, Wajih, was diagnosed and treated for ovarian cancer.

“You don't understand what happened or what caused it until you get home,” Munter said. “My oldest son was diagnosed with cancer when he turned 18 and we were involved in the run, but I realized what it really was. So when he gets home, you understand it, but I don't want to say that I would have understood more, but a person doesn't understand what a particular disease is and how to treat it until he gets home.

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“We're delighted they're coming back to us to participate and we'll remain the title sponsor if Nick allows.”

Now 31, Wajih was among the crowd at the finish line cheering on the runners as they crossed.

“It was stage 3 and I was told it wasn't good,” Wajih recalled. “Thank God we're still here and feeling 100%.”

Wajih had a simple message for those running on Sunday, or thinking of participating in the future.

“You've done more good than you think today,” he said. “Every little bit counts and every dollar, every runner, every support goes a long way and takes care of someone in need.”

Police Chief Danny Smith was on hand to help hand out medals to the finishers, just like last year.

“I've heard a lot of stories over the years where people are paying their respects (to loved ones),” said Smith, who will retire as superintendent in September. “Everyone has cancer and everyone has a story to tell, so it was amazing to be a part of it. But it's also good for my members. It's become a traditional community event now, and it doesn't hurt when we have good weather.”

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Not all runners ran for someone fighting cancer. At least they both had a different fight in mind.

“I'm supporting Ukraine by racing in the shirts of this charity that supports medical supplies for (Ukraine) veterans,” said Thomas Gleichmann, wearing a “Race for Ukraine” shirt with a Ukrainian flag tied around his neck. his wife Katya crossed the finish line. “My wife and I, we compete in all our races – marathons, half marathons – in this outfit to support Ukraine.”

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Results

Half marathon

The best men
1. Tristan Da Silva, Winnipeg, 1:11:35
2. Nicholas Kosmenko, Winnipeg, 1:14:17
3. John Gurniak Winnipeg, 1:17:33

The best women
1. (15th overall) Dawn Neal, Winnipeg, 1:24:42
2. (26th) Jacqueline Lowen, Winnipeg, 1:27:38
3. (27th) Alice Sherwin, Winnipeg, 1:27:43

5K

The best men
1. Sean Saurette, Winnipeg, 17:54
2. Brian Bell, Winnipeg, 18:23
3. Brock Martin, Ear Falls, 19:12

The best women
1. (8th overall) Krista Stepa, Winnipeg, 20:31
2. (10th overall) Paige Hinton, Winnipeg, 21:08
3. (11th overall) Ashley Schneider, Stonewall, 21:40

Two-person relay

1. Cole and Mateo, Winnipeg, 1:15:16
2. Up and Run Physiotherapy, Winnipeg, 1:15:19
3. Boreham Bullies, Winnipeg, 1:32:11
4. North 68, Arborg, 1:32:37 46:13:00
5. Team Grassy Rocks, Winnipeg, 1:35:14

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