WATCH: Bike-a-thon launched to help build trail, promote active living

The promotion for the upcoming Build the Trail Bike-a-Thon was kicked off with a splash last Friday.

It's being held throughout the month of June and proceeds are going towards building the future trail between Cochrane and Calgary.

Several partners have come together to make it a truly special month-long event.

Organizer Dan Kroffat says it's not just a fundraiser, it's a community builder and promotes active living.

"The Bike-A-Thon has an appealing piece that's really exciting. It appeals to all levels, all ages of people, everything from school kids right up to seniors, anybody who wants to jump on a bike. The other beautiful thing about the bike-a-thon is you choose the distance you want to ride, so the Glenbow Ranch Park will be very instrumental."

He says they haven't set any particular fundraising target.

"What we want to do is get people involved, so Participaction is a great partner in this thing to raise awareness, raise some dollars, and create a good community initiative."

June happens to see the return of Participaction's Community Better Challenge, which invites people across the country to log the hours they're active to help crown their community the winner.

It's once again being spearheaded by Cochrane Sport4Life. Cochrane placed 14th overall in Alberta last year.

Sport4Life vice-chair Ashley Fox says the bike-a-thon is a perfect fit.

"It's a great way, whether you're walking or wheeling or whether you're out hiking or playing a sport or playing with your family in the backyard to put minutes towards the Community Better Challenge, support the bike-a-thon and get outside, especially since spring is upon us."

She says the community has a chance to win $100,000.

"That $100,000 could be used to support things like the trail initiative so that people can be more active."

You can register for the challenge online here or download the Participaction app.

Garmin is among the major sponsors, and its managing director Jim Rooney says they're proud to be involved.

"We want to be a great supporter of the community through Bike Cochrane and events like this. I mean, how can you not be part of the legacy of connecting Cochrane and Calgary. That's so much about who we are and what we're about. We hope we can use our voice to raise awareness and get people excited."

There will be many prizes drawn at the July 3 wrap-up celebration at Cochrane Toyota, including the grand prize of a Cannondale Treadwell Neo EQ E-Bike donated by Bighill Cycle.

Participants will receive an entry for every $10 they raise.

Co-owner Shane Campbell says the Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park trail system offers something for every level of cyclist.

"If you want to get a really good workout in, you can go and ride there for hours. If you just want to take, say like in my case a 10-year daughter, seeing it for the first time is an incredible experience for them."

Registration is now open and you go here to register or to get more details.

Cochrane Sport4Life Ashley Fox says Cochrane will be in the running to win $100,000 in the Participaction Community Better Challenge.