The 7th annual Chase the Tornado run event in Grand Valley saw 107 participants, 43 in the 10K run and 64 in the 5K run/walk.
Five school team competed this year. The Grand Valley Gators won back the championship from the Island Lake Lakers.
Christopher Rudolf of East Garafraxa broke the record for the 5km race, completing it in just under 19 minutes. He was followed by Alex Iozzo a minute later and Cullen Ritchie a further minute later.
Daniel Zoltan finished the 10km route at 34:57, just short of the course record of 34:25 set by Cody Beals of Fergus in 2014.
All 107 finishers received a custom medal originally designed by local Grand Valley artist Julie Van Alstine.
Post-race celebrations included a barbecue sponsored by the Grand Valley Lions with hotdogs donated by Grand Valley Food Town. Overall winners received a race shirt. A draw was held for prizes donated by local businesses.
Preparations for the event required involving the community. Several local businesses contributed prizes, sponsorship dollars, and race day support. Among volunteering individuals were high school students accumulating community service hours.
The event’s profits will be donated to the Upper Grand Trailway Association, Grand Valley Minor Hockey Association and to Run Dufferin’s ongoing project to get kids active.
