THUNDER BAY -- Despite the worst turnout in Run for Women history, new organizers say the 36-year-old event was--and is--worth saving.
Saturday's five-kilometre run around Boulevard Lake only drew 30 participants but had new volunteers not taken the helm it wouldn't have happened at all.
Since 1980, the annual Run For Women event has hosted thousands of runners from across the city to promote good health and active living.
Organizers decided to call off the event in April after decades of success, declaring it had run its course.
Within 48 hours, however, a dozen women took the challenge of saving the once-popular race.
They formed the core of Saturday's runners in the unofficial event in preparation for the Run for Women's official return next year.
“I think over time events do lose their momentum and maybe the change of hands will bring new life,” said Volunteer Thunder Bay executive director Chelsea Fredricks.
Instead of running for charity, the women ran in support of continuing the community tradition.
Fredricks said planning over the next year will involved prizes and engagement with emergency services.
“It’s been an incredible tradition in our community to have women get together the day before Mother’s Day. It brings women together so it’s important for it to continue.”