Prince George, B.C.- The 8^th annual Run for Rural Medicine is designed to raise funds for healthcare in the north, but this morning’s event didn’t get underway until the Boston Marathon tragedy had been remembered.

 

Runners, many of whom had been part of last Monday’s marathon in Boston, donned blue and gold ribbons, the colours of the Boston Marathon. Before the blast of the starters horn, they bowed their heads for a  moment of silence  for the people of Boston.

 

But, then, the blast of the horn, ( or in this case the vuvuzela ) and they were off. (at right, one runner, places  a blue and gold  ribbon with heart, on another  runner  photo 250news)

 

Participants could take part in a 1km/ 5km or 10km walk or run for  5km/10km or 21km.

 

All funds raised from today’s run will be donated to the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation for Senior’s Wellness.

 

The run is organized by the second year class of the Northern Medical Program.

 

Many of today’s participants are members of the Prince George Road  Runners  group which has planned a run in Miworth for next weekend . That event will be collecting donations that will be sent to Boston for the  victims fund.