Cultus Lake – Local community organizations have received a total of $8,000 from organizers of the 16th annual Around the Lake Give ‘R Take Trail Race, held at Cultus Lake last October. Organized by volunteer members of the Around the Lake Trail Race Society, the event is funded through registrations and sponsorships, with proceeds going to support groups involved in establishing and maintaining trails, as well as education.
This year’s donations are: $3,000 to the Chilliwack Park Society which was committed last fall to replace equipment and items used for education which were stolen from a storage bin at newly established community trails; a $1,000 to each of the Vedder Mountain Motorcycle Club, the Fraser Valley Mountain Biking Association and the Chilliwack Outdoor Club; and a doubling of an annual scholarship for Chilliwack School District to provide two $1,000 student awards. Applicants for the awards are asked to identify what the outdoors and nature mean to them, as well as maintaining a good grade average. A $500 donation was made to the local St.John’s Ambulance brigade, which helps out on race day. The Race Society has also pledged $1,000 towards upkeep of sections of The Great Trail (formerly the TransCanada Trail) in the Chilliwack River Valley.
Representatives from three of the organizations were on hand at the Trail Race Society’s recent AGM to receive cheques ).
“As a community-minded, non-profit and volunteer run group and event, we are dedicated to supporting organizations and people in our area that are involved in outdoor recreation and enjoyment” notes Around the Lake Trail Race Society President – and race founder – Clarence Wiens.
The popular trail race, which circumnavigates Cultus Lake on a variety of trails and some roadways, sells out every year, with some 300 participants who choose to either run the entire 30 kilometre race solo, or as part of two-person relay teams covering legs of 17km and 13 km. The event relies on 60 volunteers to assist in directing and supporting runners. The 2019 Around the lake Give or Take event will be the 17th annual race, and will be held Saturday, October 19th. Registration opens June 19. More details are available on the race website: aroundthelake.ca
