Excellent weather provided the opportunity for residents to take part in the First Annual Terminator 5km Run For Youth Addiction Awareness this past Saturday in Leader.
Laura Henderson, who brought the run to Saskatchewan and Leader in particular, was thrilled with the turnout and results from the event.
“It was so amazing, we had so many kids. So, we had 78 participants altogether and I'm guessing this under half or half were kids. So, that was super great to see them out there doing their 5km and enjoying the nice day and the weather and coming together as a community was amazing."
For a first time event, Laura was very pleased with the participation level. Not just of individuals, but local Leader businesses as well.
"I would say there were 50 businesses and individuals who also came on board that donated draw prizes, donated to the foundation, supported in some way in the community as well. So, it was a profound event for Leader and surrounding area.”
Henderson, who just recently celebrated 8 years of sobriety, explains running has played a big part in staying health and sober.
“I just celebrated eight years this August and I started running probably three years into my recovery from alcohol and drugs, and running has been a huge part of building room recovery and self-confidence and setting goals and following through and showing up for myself. So, I'm very passionate about sharing that with others and anytime that other people want to run, I'm the first one to organize something,” she said with a chuckle.
Henderson added that she is looking forward to next year and watching the even continue to grow. And after giving medals to everyone who completed the 5 km run, Henderson said the kids who took part were still showing off their hardware around the community.
“We will definitely be doing it next year again, it was really good. Some of the kids were still wearing their medals when I was out and about, so they were so proud of themselves and it was so good to see that we can have this conversation of addiction and mental health with our kids nowadays. And be open and make a place to have those tough discussions and open up awareness.
We look forward to getting bigger and better next year. Hopefully we can spread awareness and just keep the conversation open for a space for people who have lost loved ones to addiction, or those who still struggle and still have a space to celebrate those in recovery and just keep coming together.”
Thu, Apr 25, 9:30 AM
