Mayor Scott Gillingham, Hon. Obby Khan, Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage, and Winnipeg Police Service Chief Danny Smyth join forces today, urging runners and walkers from all levels to come together and make this year's Foodfare — Winnipeg Police Service Half Marathon, 2-Person Relay and 5K Run the biggest and best yet.
This year’s Race Day is set for Sunday, May 7. The 19th annual event is an opportunity for the running community to come together to raise important funds in support of cancer research. Funds raised through this year’s event directly support a global research study concerning brain cancer in children.
Dr. Magimairajan Issai Vanan is part of the specialized team conducting this research. He is the lone doctor in Manitoba treating kids with brain tumours, having done this work for 20 years (the last ten years in Manitoba).
“Our ultimate goal is to treat kids with brain tumours more efficiently with minimal or no side effects,” says Dr. Vanan, who serves as part of the Cancer Care Manitoba team.
While the challenges ahead for Dr. Vanan and his project team are substantial, that work continues in part through the funds raised at this year’s Winnipeg Police Service Half Marathon, 2-Person Relay and 5K Run.
“The Foodfare WPS Half Marathon works directly with the Canadian Cancer Society to choose specific research programs to fund with race donations, We know where every donation dollar goes and the impact it has,” says Nick Paulet, Race Director.
Organizers anticipate reaching capacity shortly, so participants are encouraged to register early. Participants can register online at www.WPShalfmarathon.ca. Regular registration is available until April 27, 2023.
The race will again start and finish inside Assiniboine Park. There will be starts for the half marathon and 2-person relay and a separate start for the 5K. The event is open to runners and walkers of all skill levels. The course will remain open for 4 hours to allow runners, wheelchair athletes and walkers to participate.