Last Monday (December 31), ninety-five runners laced up at Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre in support of Martin Parnell's annual NYE run/walk.

For nine years, Parnell has hosted an event that features varied distances for runners/walkers of all ages and skill levels while fundraising for a cause close to his heart. 

Runners getting registered for the 9th annual NYE Run/Walk at SLSFSC.

Although Parnell was hoping to see roughly a couple hundred participants out, he says he did see all ages ranging from 3 months old all the way up to seventy-five. "It was wonderful seeing men and women, boys and girls out on the pathways running and walking in support of gender equality. It was a sunny day and everyone had a great time. One runner, Hiro, from Edmonton, completed 50 km in the 6 hours."

Parnell is not quite halfway to his $6500 targeted fundraising goal and says donations will be gratefully accepted all the way until the end of January. "The event was held in an attempt to raise $6,500 for Free To Run in support of empowering women and girls in Iraq through sport. In total, the event raised $3,014 toward the $6,500 goal."

Free to Run this year will support a group of twenty Iraqi females ages 15 to 25, who will be participating in The Life Skills through Sports Program. 

To support this great cause, go HERE.

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Running Into the New Year