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Ma Nature can't stop friends

It takes more than a storm to break a friendship. However, Mother Nature can force friends to change their plans.

It takes more than a storm to break a friendship. However, Mother Nature can force friends to change their plans.

The ninth annual Friendship Run from High River to Okotoks was cancelled on April 2 when a winter blast made it too hazardous to have runners on Highways 7/2A between the two communities.

However, the Friendship Run will go this weekend rain or shine, but there will be a twist.

All of the running will be done in the friendly confines of Okotoks. The run will be 10km — or whatever distance a runner wants.

Friendship Run coordinator Norm Brennand of the Big Rock Runners said the change was made because there was not sufficient time to complete the required paperwork with Alberta Transportation and the RCMP.

He said with the added traffic along Highway 2A due to shopping malls in Okotoks, several runners have also voiced their concerns about the safety of running on the highway.

“We will run the entire course in Okotoks,” Brennand said. “If successful, next year we may run the entire course in High River.”

The Friendship Run will start at 10 a.m. at the Okotoks triplex. It will end at the Crystal Shores Beach House.

“I’m not yet sure of the actual 10km route, we will work that out over the next few days,” Brennand said with a chuckle. “But it is still the Friendship Run which means, don't worry about it... if you get lost for a bit we will find you… so simply follow the lead runner, if the lead runner runs too fast, all club members simply won’t talk to him or her for a month.”

Brennand said there is a possibility the course will be set up in two separate 5km routes, so those runners who don’t wish to run the full 10km may still participate.

The main rules of the Friendship Run still apply —no cost, no clock, no placings, and no pressure.

Also, because the run is no longer on the highway, runners under the age of 14 are welcome to participate.

Pizza and refreshments will be provided at no cost after the run.

Brennand said the future of the run will be discussed at an upcoming Big Rock Runners meeting.

One consideration is taking an alternate route between the two communities in order to bypass Highway 2A.

For further information concerning the run call Norm at 403-819-9967 or Bruce in the High River area at 403-652-7644.

[email protected]

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