The 29th annual Orillia Snowflake Series is set to get underway this Sunday in and around Couchiching Beach Park.
The event, formerly organized by Rotaract Orillia, is now being organized by the volunteers of the Orillia Lions Club.
“This is a four-race series. Jan. 1 is a 10-kilometre race, and the rest are 5-kilometre races,” explained volunteer organizer Jeff Taylor.
“We traditionally use this race series to raise money for The Sharing Place, and we also give to plenty of other organizations who come forward with needs.”
In the last six years, the Snowflake Series has raised over $30,000 for local charities. This year’s fundraising goal is $6,000.
“We traditionally get about 150 runners to each race, and we will see what those numbers look like this year with the COVID situation, but we are hoping to hit the same numbers as before,” Taylor said.
“People seem to like this event because of the time of year it takes place, there aren’t a lot of other races going on. I also think people like coming out to raise money for charities, and it’s turned into a tradition for a lot of people," Taylor explained.
Last year, the event was held virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Running is kind of a community and when it’s virtual you miss that part of it and the same goes for fitness. People like the group mentality which motivates them to get out and run. I think it’s just great to be back to having those aspects that you don’t get with having a virtual event,” Taylor said.
Sunday morning's race starts at 10 a.m. The race will mean traffic restrictions on Bay Street, Canice Street, and Centennial Drive.
It’s not too late to register for the four-race series that runs until Jan. 16. To register, click here.
