It’s time to lace up the sneakers in memory of one of the community’s brightest lights.
The fourth annual Heather Saaltink Memorial Run will be held Nov. 3 in Long Sault and preparations are well-underway by the Cornwall Multisport Club. The event is held in memory of the young woman, then 22, who tragically died during a collision with an impaired driver in 2008.
Since its inception in 2009 the fundraiser has raised approximately $50,000 for organizations including Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD), Arrive Alive and the Agape Centre. Each year the recipient organization is selected by the Saaltink family and this year’s event will see proceeds donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Cornwall/SDG.
“It’s a tribute run for Heather and it is really a gift back to our community,” said Wendy Henry, race coordinator. “We’re a community-minded organization ourselves, and Heather was a person who believed in giving back to others.
“Each year I find it so amazing as to the amount our little club raises. It really is tremendous.”
The event features 10, 5 and 2 kilometre routes for all ages and all begin at Longue Sault Public School. Start time for the 10K is 10 a.m., while the 5K is 10:10 a.m. and the 2K is 11:30 a.m. Bib pick-up is from 8:30-9:45 a.m. Hot chili and sweets will be provided for participants, and medals will be presented to the top three male and females in each event.
Registration will be capped at 500, and already exceeds 340 participants. Those interested in participating are encouraged to apply online at www.cornwallmultisportclub.com/reg/hsrun/registration.php
“We’ve always capped it at 500,” explained Henry. “This is mainly because of our space available, plus we want it to be home-grown, for people to feel comfortable, and for them to enjoy the moment with us during a run or walk.
“And everything goes to a good cause.”
