Runners aid Komera Project in Rotary Run for Rwanda

Saturday was a perfect day for a run or a walk and the Rotary Run for Rwanda was very well patronized by Bowen Islanders and visitors.

More than 180 enthusiastic participants walked and ran the trails of Crippen Park.

Organizers were lucky enough to have a great group of volunteers who provided the marshalling, the setting up and taking down of the finish line, and manning of the registration and water and food tables. Organizers were also grateful to individual donors who gave generously to the Komera Project which supports girls at high school in Rwanda (www.komeraproject.org).

Margaret Butler, who is executive director of the Komera Project, was on hand to help with the organization of the event and hand out the prizes.

Fifty children participated in the Kids' Run and were rewarded with a lovely medal as they finished. Thanks go to Lisa Brougham for organizing this event.

The winners of the adult races are as follows:

5K Men: 1. David Verlee (19:52); 2. Scott Peterson (19:57); 3. Conrad Heatu (21:00)

5K Women: 1. Thelma Wright (24:32); 2. Zoe Shatwell (25:26); 3. Nina Freed (24:34)

10K Men: 1. Colin Kerr (38:17); 2. Jeremy Cuff (38:37); 3. Gerd Braeuer (43:40)

10K Women: 1. Stephanie Smith (42:18); 2. Rylee Blaxland (43:45); 3. Joni Blaxland (46:54)

See www.rotaryrunforrwanda.com for more results.

The post-race snacks and water were provided by The Ruddy Potato, Artisan Eats, Savary Island Pie Company and McTaggart Water; they were delicious and much appreciated by the participants.

Thanks also go to other business sponsors: Forerunners, Barbara Wahler Interior Design, Bowen Barber Shop, Bowen Island Undercurrent, Bowfest, Chilliwack Ford, First Credit Union, Positively Fit, The Gym, The Office, Phoenix, The Snug Café and Union Steamship Co.

Many thanks to the community for all the support that has been shown to the cause. The Komera scholars in Rwanda will benefit greatly from your kindness.