The 10th Run & Walk to Remember, hosted by the Curtis Klassen Memorial Fund (CKMF) on Saturday in Altona, was one for the record books. 

Over 180 people, the most ever, participated in the 5k or 10k event. 

Co-organizer, Eric Hildebrand, believes the release of the documentary, Altona, late last year played a part in recruiting more racers. 

"A lot of people in Altona and area would have taken an interest in that documentary and it might have been a little bit of a reminder of what did take place, sadly. Maybe that was a reminder for people that, 'Hey, there's that annual event in spring. Maybe I should participate even though I'm not an avid runner'. Maybe it's just a chance to get out and grab some fresh air."

At the end of the day, between registrations and donations, Saturday's fund raiser generated just over $15,000. This pushed the CKMF to surpass a total of $100,000 raised over the last ten years and re-invested back into the community. 

"Which is outstanding for a small town, a small community," said Hildebrand.

A flow through fund of the Altona Community Foundation, established by a group of Klassen's friends, the CKMF supports young athletes in the Altona area by helping to fill the needs of grassroots sports organizations and even a few community projects. 

"Every cent that we bring in, we put it right back into the community," added Hildebrand. "Wherever there are needs, we are eager and excited to be part of those needs."

Click here to view Saturday's results.

With files from Abby Wall

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