Trail Race Donates Funds to Local Outdoor Recreation Groups
Donations of $11,000 were recently handed out to local outdoor recreation groups and students by the Around the Lake Trail Race Society. This was made possible through the registration fees of over 300 participants and sponsorships from local businesses for last October’s Around the Lake Give ‘r Take trail race held at Cultus Lake. The race is organized by volunteer members of the Around the Lake Trail Race Society with proceeds going to educational awards and outdoor organizations that help establish and maintain the trails.
This year’s donations, given out at the Trail Race Society’s recent (March 9) annual general meeting, are: $3,000 to the Chilliwack Park Society; $3,000 to the Yarrow chapter of Back Country Horseman of BC towards their rebuild project of the Nesakwatch bridge in the Chilliwack River Valley; $1,000 to each of the Vedder Mountain Motorcycle Club, the Fraser Valley Mountain Biking Association and the Chilliwack Outdoor Club; and two $1,000 student awards for Chilliwack School District. Applicants for the student awards are asked to identify what the Chilliwack trail systems have meant to them or how they have been influenced by them, as well as maintaining a good grade average.
Representatives from three of the organizations were on hand at the Trail Race Society’s recent AGM to receive cheques . Recipients noted that these funds go directly back into clearing, improving and adding to trails in areas around Chilliwack.
“As a community-minded, non-profit and volunteer run group and event, we are dedicated to supporting organizations and people in our area that are involved in outdoor recreation and enjoyment” notes Around the Lake Trail Race Society President – and race founder – Clarence Wiens.
The popular trail race, which circumnavigates Cultus Lake on a variety of trails and some roadways, sells out every year, with over 300 participants who choose to either run the entire 30 kilometre race solo, or as part of two-person relay teams covering legs of 17km and 13 km. The event relies on 60 volunteers to assist in directing and supporting runners. The 2020 Around the Lake Give or Take event will be the 18thannual race, and will be held Saturday, October 17th. Registration opens June 17th.
Photo Caption: At the community group cheque distribution were (left to right): Lynda Ferris of the Around the Lake Trail Race Society; Karen Bridge and Arlene Ladd of Back Country Horsemen of BC (Yarrow chapter); Around the Lake Trail Race Society President Clarence Wiens; Brian Dick of Vedder Mountain Motorcycle Club; and Graham Houlker and Chrystal Gillingham of the Chilliwack Park Society.