On again-off again showers Saturday morning didn’t stop all the participants from lining up at the start line of the Curtis Klassen Memorial Fund Run/Walk (CKMF) in Altona. The annual event is the primary fundraiser for the fund which has supported a variety of causes in the area since being established in 2008.

"So, I think our numbers are going to be around 115 registrations, today, which is fabulous," said CKMF Committee member Eric Hildebrand. "We seem to hover in that 100, or so, on an annual basis, and we're excited to be back for our May date, again, as we were last year."

Hildebrand notes the bulk of the runners are from Altona, but supporters from outside the community also attend annually.

"In terms of outside the community, we have some people coming in from the Winkler area, Plum Coulee, Dominion City, we have a school group from the Ginew School at Roseau River First Nation, and they're bringing individuals from the running club they have. It's just great to see the cross-section of individuals that participate."

members of Ginew School running clubMembers of the Ginew School running club just before the race started

About half a dozen students from the running club were able to attend the event, and were led by Outdoor Education and Healthy Living teacher Jennifer Slaney.

"We like to participate in community events, and we like to get some exercise," said Slaney. "It's another learning experience, say that you did something new. I think today, with just how the weather has been, we're here just to have a good time, get some exercise and see what happens!"

And with the totals added up, organizers indicate just over $11,000 was raised through the event.

Some images in the gallery below provided by Wicus Conradie.