Martin Parnell is getting ready to host the 7th annual 'Free to Run' on December 31.

The fun run/walk will start at different times throughout the day depending on your distance. Parnell says the idea of everyone finishing together really brings a community feel to the event.

"You start at different times but finish all together. You can come anytime during that 6 hours, 9 am until 3 pm, and do a loop or a couple loops. There is only one aid station, that's it, but it's inside at Spray Lakes; it's very social and lots of fun.

Parnell says between 100 and 150 runners have come out in the past and he would love to see those numbers grow.

This year's run will go to support sports activities for the Markaz Girls High School in Bamyan, Afghanistan.

"We are wanting to upgrade their volleyball/basketball court, outside court, it's a mess and we want to provide a better court. We are hoping to raise around $5000. It's pretty exciting and this year I am working in conjunction with the group 'Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan' they are a charity that's in Canada they have 9 chapters."

Over the past 6 years, Parnell has raised a jaw dropping amount of  over 1.3 million dollars to support play and sporting initiatives both locally and internationally.

Not only is Free to Run a great way to kick off those New Year's goals, but for Parnell the message is much bigger, Right to Play's motto is 'look after yourself, look after one another'.

"You've got to keep yourself in good shape, keep fit do a little bit of walking or swimming, but  then look after others. Let's build bridges not walls, whether we are helping local kids, nationally, or around the world. Let's do something to make a difference."