The Orillia Snowflake Running Series — now presented by the Lions Club of Orillia — has returned for its 32nd frosty year.
The series was started in an effort to keep people moving during the cold winter months.
"There really isn't anything to do in the wintertime for earnest runners," says Michael Taylor, who has been one of the organizers of the run for nearly a decade. "For people who just love to run, this gives them something to look forward to."
Children as young as seven years old and seniors as old as 73 have registered to take part in the series this year.
"Each year, we do a series of four races," Taylor explained. "During the final race, we meet inside at the Legion and pass out awards and ribbons for the best times in all the age categories."
In previous years, runners have braved blistering cold winds, snowstorms, rain, and sleet to take part in the winter tradition.
"For a lot of people, it's a tradition," Taylor said. "It's a nice and healthy outdoor thing."
The Snowflake Running Series costs $80 for the four races or $20 for a single race. Proceeds from the event benefit The Sharing Place, The Lighthouse medical clinic, and the Soldiers' Memorial Hospital's child oncology centre.
Over the years, the event has raised more than $200,000 for community charities and foundations.
Tim Payne, 73, has been participating in the Snowflake Running Series almost since the very beginning. He says it's well organized and brings the running community together.
"It's an interesting way to catch up with some of our peer groups and fellow runners," he said. "It's the only running series in Orillia now, so it's the only time we have to get together locally with other runners."
Each run is five kilometres long with the option of running ten kilometres during the New Year's Day event. All editions of the event begin at the Orillia Legion Branch 34.
"It's a good distance for everyone," Payne said. "It's something that people of all ages can be involved with."
While running outside during the winter months can seem unappealing, Payne says sometimes it can make for a beautiful landscape.
"The whiteness of everything and a little snow cover can be really beautiful," he said. "You just have to dress comfortably."
Payne says it's important to get outside in the winter months.
"Running outdoors on pathways and streets is better than running indoors on a treadmill or indoor track," he said. "Being able to get a workout in among nature is really nice."
Payne hopes to keep participating in the Snowflake Running Series for many years to come.
"It serves as a way for me to keep in shape in between seasons," he said. "It serves as a conditioner for maybe other future activities."
Payne isn't the only one who relies on the series each year to keep moving.
"I know there are so many people in this area who really look forward to the Snowflake Series," he said. "It's a really great community service for the running community."
The final three races of the Orillia Snowflake Running Series happen on Dec. 17, Jan 1, and Jan. 14. For more information or to register, click here.
