Prince George, B.C.- The 7^th annual Run for Rural Medicine will take off from the Hart Community Centre this Sunday morning.

 

The run is organized by the second year class of the Northern Medical program and proceeds this year will go to the Spirit of the North Foundation’s Senior’s Wellness Fund. That fund provides dollars for outings and equipment to enrich the lives of those living at the Gateway, Parkside or Jubilee Lodge seniors facilities. “We thought we would donate our funds to a program that is typically underfunded” says local run organizer Lindsay Benoit.

 

The   Prince George run offers a course to meet every level of entrant. From those who want to take a “tot walk” with their little ones, to the 21 km marathon challenge, participants are welcome to do as much as they would like.

 

While most of the funds raised will come through registration fees, participants can make a donation to the cause over and above their registration fee or they may buy   a pair or “running socks” that will be  made available.

 

The Prince George runs is one of several  that will take place in B.C, as each university in the province which has a medical program will be conducting its own run.

 

In past years funds raised have been given to the Northern Medical Program’s rural fund, in order to help subsidize costs for the second year medical students who all embark on a third year 4 week summer elective in a rural community in BC. Last year however, the class decided to begin fundraising for charity groups from the community, and donate the funds to a different charity every year. In 2011 they supported the New Hope Society. 

 

“Typically, we have about 120 participants, and in the past we have raised anywhere from $1,000 to $1500 dollars” says Benoit.
 

Anyone wishing to take part in this Sunday’s run is asked to pre-register online (click here)  and to show up at the Hart Community Centre on West Austin Road by 8:20 am in order to ensure the  race gets underway on time at 9:00.