Runners took advantage of the fair November weather to participate in a run that celebrated not only athleticism, but a sense of community.
On Saturday, November 14th locals gathered outside Chateauguay Valley Regional High School for the 4th Annual Colour Your Dreams Run. Despite a light chill in the air, approximately 80 people participated in the run, which featured a 1.5-kilometre option for students, as well as a 5-kilometre and 10-kilometre run for the more ambitious. Kicking off at CVR, runners made their way up the 138A towards Dewittville, ending the race back at the high school. Winners of the 1.5 and 5- kilometre run received raffle prizes to celebrate their win, while the victors of the 10- kilometre race included a tie for the win between former CVR student Kyle Tannahill and CVR’s physical education teacher, Eric Ednie. Local Angela Caza took second place, with Kyle’s father, Glen Tannahill claiming the third position.
Originally the idea of former Ormstown resident Doug Vandor, the race was created to inspire the youth in the community that anything is possible. Vandor, who was on the National Team for 13 years, is a two-time world championship bronze medalist. Currently residing in Vancouver, Vandor retired in 2013 after the London Olympics. “My love for sport began in a small community,’ said Vandor. ‘I wanted to have a run to let kids know that no matter where you’re from, you can go after whatever you want. Too often, people think you have to grow up in a city to have access to these opportunities, and I tried to do my little part by organizing this run.” While Doug couldn’t be present this year, his parents, Tom and Shirley Vandor were present on Saturday morning.
This year, the event was organized by a number of volunteers including CVR’s vice-principal Lynn Harkness, as well as staff members Chantal Bergevin and Kim Wilson. “I think that it’s a community race—it makes for a great opportunity for people to come together to support local schools,’ said Harkness of the day. ‘It was great to see whole families out there enjoying themselves.” Members of both the Francophone and Anglophone communities were present, ensuring that all local schools were represented. The organizers also credited the success of the day to the numerous local sponsors that donated to the cause.
In the last three years, the run has raised over $2,000 for the physical education programs in the Chateauguay Valley.
