Tom Henihan
Express Staff
@SmokyRiverExprs
Starting in September, the Smoky River Runners Track and X-Country Run Club began practicing twice weekly, Tuesdays in Falher and Wednesdays in McLennan.
Once they have registered, the club invites members from across the Smoky River Region to attend one or both practice sessions, to engage in the exercises and learn the various aspects of disciplined training.
“We have had over 30 runners between the ages of 8 and 13 join. We have kids from Ecole Routhier, Ecole Providence and Ecole Heritage,” says club coordinator and Coach, Michelle Phillips.
The Smoky River Runners Track and X-Country Run Club’s aim is to enhance the physical and mental wellbeing of communities in the region while cultivating team spirit, perseverance, friendship and good sportsmanship.
The club integrates physical and mental components within a well-structured program that also focuses on specific, measurable objectives, logging the training miles and practice times of participants.
There are no fees to join the Smoky River Club. The club functions as an inclusive team that encourages everyone to participate, coaching everyone to attain his or her personal best, to strive to outperform their own record rather than competing with fellow members.
To ensure that coaches are always available for practices, the club has a roster of ten adult coaches and one junior coach while coordinator and coach Michelle Phillips attends every practice, formatting training and implementing ideas provided by coaches.
The Smoky River Runners Track and X-Country Running Club, relies on the commitment of its volunteer coaches and others who assist in the operation.
Along with Michelle Phillips, those volunteering with the club include Anita Doktor, Nick Fournier, Guy Girard-Lallemand, Leo Giroux, Katelyn Lambert, Aryn McFaddin, Allan Paterson, Melissa Portelance, Elise Turcotte and Krista Veitch.
To celebrate Remembrance Day, the club is hosting the first Annual “Run to Remember” along Kimiwan Lakeshore in McLennan on November 12, 2017. The run, will offer two lengths named in acknowledgement of the support the running club has received from the McLennan Pioneer Club: the Pioneer 5K beginning at 11am and Mini Pioneer 2.5K beginning at 11.30am. The fee for participants under 18 is $2 and $5 for adults. Running club members are free.
The event will also have door prizes for runners, finisher recognition, hot chocolate and snacks
The Run to Remember will mark the end of club’s fall season. The club will continue through the winter with a greater focus on cross-country running.
Anyone wishing to volunteer to help with the “Run to Remember” on November 12th or help with preparations beforehand please email Michelle Phillips at smokyriverrunners@gmail.com.
