Participants set out from the Hart Community Centre for the 5K, 10K, and half marathon   250News photo

Prince George, BC – Mother Nature did her part to support the 2014 Run for Rural Medicine, as participants sprinted from the start line into the sunshine…

Run Co-Organizer, Stefan Widmer, says it was great to see such a high turn-out.  With an estimated 160 to 170 runners participating, this year marks one of the best to date for the annual fundraiser by second-year students in the Northern Medical Program.

While UBC has been hosting a similar run for the past nine years, today's event is just the 5th in our city.  NMP students say it's a chance to 'give back' to the community where they live and study to become physicians.  Working in partnership with the Prince George Road Runners and Stride and Glide Sports, the event featured a Kids 1K Fun Run, followed by the mass start for the 5K, 10K, and half-marathan.

Photo at right shows Damian Pighin and his children (l-r), seven-year-old Isabella, three-year-old Chase, and six-year-old Kiara.

The kids were all participating in the fun run – a first for them.  Isabella got off to a quick start, while Kiara ran with encouragement from her dad, and Chase walked his way in with mom, Maria.  The kids then got to watch their dad head out again in the main event.

All proceeds raised through registration fees for today's race and donations will go to the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation.

"This run speaks volumes to the pride Northerners take in their own health and wellness," says Foundation CEO, Judy Neiser.  "What a great way to get out and be part of a healthy lifestyle, a great cause, and contribute to advancing healthcare in the north.