Trotting for a cause

Fog Trot 5.JPG Everybody’s smiling before the race – Participants, volunteers and politicians posed for a photo-op before the race. Laura Button photo

Published on August 11, 2011

Laura Button

Arnold's Cove race aids Children's Wish

The 5th annual Fog Trot took place on Saturday.

While the fog stayed at bay, runners and walkers battled a strong headwind for the first five kilometers.

Even so, Lee Bennett of Clarenville posted a new race record. He covered the 10-km in a time of 38:50.

Shirley Granter-Button placed first in the female division with a time of 48:50.

Bennett Granter-Button were joined by 42 other athletes.

Ben Peddle of Clarenville had the distinction of being the youngest participant in the Fog Trots five-year history. The 11-year old ran the course in a time of 53:03

Among the walkers was Arnold’s Cove Mayor Tome Osbourne.

“This is my first year participating in the Trot. Last year I told Mike I’d do it this year, and I’m true to my word,” he laughed.

The Fog Trot began five years ago when Penney and Howard Brown, avid runners themselves, decided to put together an event. Three years ago, the race partnered with Children’s Wish to raise money for the charity.

“Some child is going to get a wish out of this, so at the very least that’s why we’re here,” said organizer Mike Penney.

The Chapter Director for the Children’s Wish Foundation, Newfoundland and Labrador was on hand to thank the participants.

“The last thing a parent ever wants to hear is that their child has been diagnosed with a life threatening illness,” said Edie Newton. The Children’s Wish Foundation has granted 17,000 wishes in its 25-year history. In Newfoundland and Labrador this year, they granted their 600th wish.

“Today we have the opportunity to help a new family write a new story. A story without doctors or needles,” said Newton. a story where parents can be parents, siblings can be siblings and parents can be a couple.”

The race was also a chance for Provincial Bellevue district candidates to meet some of their potential constituents.

NDP candidate Gabe Ryan and PC incumbent Calvin Peach both walked part of the distance, while Liberal candidate Pam Pardy Ghent completed 10 km.

Male

Lee Bennett - 39:50

Michael Gambin - 40:37

Craig Heffernan - 41:37

Garett Brown - 42:35

Keith Barrington - 42:50

Mike Penney - 44:57

Otto Smith - 46:32

Howard Brown - 47:10

Scott Smith - 47:21