Dust off your running shoes – the third annual Legacy Run to End Family Violence is scheduled for April 14. The yearly event gives participants the chance to run in a 5K, 10K or Airdrie’s only half-marathon, with all proceeds going to support family violence-related initiatives by the Airdrie and District Victims Assistance Services (ADVAS) Community Links. According to a press release, family violence is “a serious, pervasive public health issue impacting individuals and families of all cultures, religions and socio-economic backgrounds.” It’s an issue that hits close to home for many Airdronians – the 5K run is once again dedicated to Airdrie’s Andrea Conroy, who, according to the press release, “was taken from her children, family and community in an act of domestic violence Feb. 21, 2012, at the age of 33.” Event organizers have continued their commitment to Conroy’s memory for the last three years. Several improvements have been made to the event this year, the press release stated. The Legacy Run committee has partnered with Startline Timing, the official timekeeper of the Calgary Marathon, to offer professional chip timing – race results will be made available to all participants once the event has concluded. “Other improvements include fewer road crossings for the 5K and 10K routes, and designated pace setters to provide support,” the release said. “All routes will take runners and walkers on a scenic circuit of Airdrie’s beautiful pathway system, starting and finishing at Genesis Place.” The half-marathon kicks off the event at 9 a.m., with 10K participants following at 9:30 and the 5K at 10. Registration fees are $60 for the half-marathon and $40 for the 10K and 5K – but the event offers a discount for runners who sign up with a team. Groups of friends or co-workers with four or more participants can register for the half-marathon at $45 each, or $35 each for the 5K or 10K. Registration is open at legacyendurance.com/legacy-run Volunteers are also encouraged to sign up for a variety of positions. The funds raised through this annual event help these local organizations provide front-line programs and services to those impacted by family violence. Last year, runners and sponsors raised a total of $9,500, with ADVAS and Community Links each receiving $4,750 to support these essential programs.
