The YMCA of Eastern Ontario says participation in its Walk, Run & Roll 100 km Challenge has exceeded expectations. Continuing until July 31, the Challenge is raising funds to support the charitable mission of the YMCA in building healthier communities. Participants can choose to walk, run, wheelchair, bike, or roller blade to complete one of five challenges over two weeks (or for the remainder of the event’s time).
There are four distances set at 25, 50 and 100 km – symbolic of the distance between Brockville and Kingston YMCA facilities – as well as a 200 km Super Challenge, which represents a “round-way trip” between both Y facilities. Groups can also participate in the form of “relays,” adding distances travelled by group members toward their goal, which makes the event more accessible to all ages and abilities.
Participants pay a fee of just $20 per individual and can fundraise to support their efforts and the YMCA. As the event’s final week began, $22,900 of the Y’s $30,000 fundraising goal had been brought in. The YMCA has also announced prizes for the top fundraisers in three categories:
Announcing prizes for top fundraisers for Walk, Run & Roll Challenge!
Be sure to support one of our amazing participants and help them win a prize!https://t.co/1Abr5tP3IZ#ymcachallenge pic.twitter.com/UCtvAf9fpt
— YMCA of Eastern Ontario (@YMCAEasternON) July 27, 2020
“Given the pandemic and many people having been house-bound over the past few months, we thought that people would enjoy setting a goal for themselves to get active,” explained Rob Adams, CEO of the YMCA of Eastern Ontario. “Participation has surpassed our expectations with about 100 individuals and groups registered and registrations continue to arrive. With a variety of goals to choose from, it’s not too late to join the fun and raise money for the Y.”
A daily leader board is posted to the YMCA’s social media accounts each morning and the organization says jockeying for the top spots on the leader board is in play.
There has been A LOT of jostling on the leader board since yesterday! Have a look!!!
It is easy to support to one of the participants by going to: https://t.co/CLz8ZuIMmv#ymcachallenge #ygk #brockville pic.twitter.com/o1dVqfsUD6
— YMCA of Eastern Ontario (@YMCAEasternON) July 27, 2020
“We’ve received great feedback on the challenge. Participants are loving the opportunity to set a physical goal, some for the first time ever, hoping to improve their fitness,” Adams said. “One of our core values is inclusivity, a value we care deeply about. That’s why we created the challenge to be as flexible as possible so everyone can participate.”
The YMCA of Eastern Ontario challenge sponsors include St. Lawrence Pools, Subaru of Kingston, and McDonald’s Restaurants.
Register for an individual or group challenge or to support the charitable mission of the YMCA
