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Do you want to support youth mental health and gather with your family, furry friends and the community to have fun on the backcountry trails of Wilden?
We are excited to announce that the 5th annual Wild One Run, put on by Wilden for the Blenk Family Fund for youth mental health is back on Sunday, September 18th and finally in person!
It’s a great opportunity for Kelowna to get together, enjoy a fun day of getting exercise and raise money and awareness for youth mental health. You choose your distance and pace at this community event.
All proceeds from the event go directly to the Blenk Family Fund and its youth mental health initiatives such as The Foundry, the Walk-In Wellness Clinic at UBC Okanagan and many more prevention and care projects in the region.
"Community is at the core of everything we do. It's incredibly important to care for our young people and support the building of strong communities and youth," says Karin Eger-Blenk, the CEO and Communications Manager of Wilden and the Blenk Family Fund.
Better yet, you can bring along your furry friends, children and others to join in on the fun! Pack your water bottle, all of your energy and get ready for a great day.
"We have people from 3 years old to 80 years old coming out to participate," says Eger-Blenk.
Kids can participate in the 1 km Kid’s Run which is mostly flat and on a gravel road, except for a fun deviation onto a single-track trail. They will even receive a special finishers ribbon at the end of their run!
Other participants can register for the 5 km or 10 km trail - there is truly something for everyone. They will also receive a pair of Wild One Run socks to wear during their trek!
Safely leashed dogs can come along with owners on the 5 km track. The moderate trail travels along a gravel road with some steep sections. It’s great for both runners and walkers.
For those looking to challenge themselves, the 10 km trail travels through very steep and rugged parts on gravel and dirt trails but features the beautiful Okanagan Valley scenery.
After the run, there will be raffle ticket draws, celebrations and tons of smiles!
"We really enjoy bringing the community together to have fun outside, get exercise and support youth mental health," says Eger-Blenk.
Here is the schedule:
8:30 am - Site opens for package pick-ups
9:00 am - 10 km run
9:30 am - 5 km run/walk
9:45 am - 5 km dog run/walk
11:00 am - 1 km kid’s run
11:45 - Announcements and awards
The Blenk Family Fund was established with the KGH Foundation to strengthen the network of mental health support and service available to youth and their families in the Okanagan. It aims to build resilience and better understand where help is needed.
Many young people go through difficult times in their lives and the organization hopes to help inspire meaningful, long-term improvements and help as many youths as possible in the process.
Are you ready to get active for youth mental health?
Registration ends on Friday, September 16th. To purchase your tickets and read more about the event, click here!
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