On May 7, the Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run hosted the 1st Annual Muddy Grape Endurance Run.
The event, which benefits the 2016 Special Olympics Ontario Spring Games, was held at Cox Creek Winery and raised over $34,000.
Over 300 competitors took part in the 5km course featuring military-inspired obstacles, water hazards and some unexpected muddy experiences.
The winners in various categories are listed below, but the real winners, police say, are over 650 Special Olympics athletes who will compete in eight Sports at the Provincial Spring Games in Guelph.
“What a fantastic show of support for our community rallying around the Special Olympics Spring Games at the end of May,” Guelph Police Services Chief Jeff DeRuyter said of the Muddy Grape event.
Wellington County OPP Inspector Scott Lawson echoed the chief’s sentiments.
“We are thrilled to have many OPP members participate in the festivities today and give back to this tremendous cause. I hope everyone gets involved in the Games in one way or another,” Lawson said.
The winners for fastest times were:
– 1st place male, Tim McManus, who ran in 37 minutes and 56 seconds;
– 1st place female, Natalie Mathieu, 41:35;
– 2nd place male, Joshua DeBock, 43:49; and
– 2nd place female, Brennan Walker, 43:13.
Over $34,000 was raised to support the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. Rallying around the spring games in Guelph, the community showed incredible support for this first-time event, officials say.
The winners for highest fundraiser were:
– 1st place team, Regals Lacrosse;
– 1st place male, Tim McManus; and
– 1st place female, Tammy Townsend.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the primary community-based fundraiser for the Special Olympics. Founded in Wichita, KS, in 1981, it has grown to include nearly 90,000 police professionals in over 35 countries.
