Joy was brought to many by the triumphant return of an in-person Footstock on June 5.

The prediction of rain, fortunately, proved wrong and those in the running events and Kids' Triathlon were treated to almost ideal conditions.

Young and old alike ran and foot races 5,10 and 18k and the three-member relay, and nearly 300 youth participated in the popular Kids' Triathalon.

Volunteers make Footstock possible, says McMorran, and she thanks the many who step forward. This year, they had almost 250 volunteers working the many aspects of the event. 

She says the kids' race especially makes it all worthwhile.

"Just seeing the smiles on the kids' faces when they came out of the pool or came in or out of transition or across the finish line, that's what makes the hours of work 100 per cent worth it."

It was the first full-scale Footstock in three years and while numbers were down, Race Director Meredith McMorran says they believe they will start to climb again next year.

"It's been three years since we've had a live event, and so I think that's contributed to people losing this habit of Footstock being part of what happens in June in Cochrane. We heard from so many people that they'll be back next year, so that will really build our event."

This was the 23rd year of the event. It was originally the Cochrane Run Foundation Run before being renamed Footstock. The kids' triathlon predates the foot races and was originally called Kids of Steel.

Full results can be found here.

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