The organizing committee of La Baie Run has announced the event’s fourth annual edition will once again be held in person at L’Orignal Municipal Park on Saturday, July 23. A virtual option is also available and can be completed on July 22 or 23.

Organized by a group of generous community volunteers led by Patrick Lalonde, physiotherapist and owner of Lalonde Physio, Geneviève Thibodeau and Sébastien Lalonde, the annual event began in 2019 not only to encourage a fun family activity, but also to support the Hawkesbury and District General Hospital (HGH) Foundation.

“When I decided to settle back in my hometown, it was because I wanted to give back to the community,” Lalonde said. “Being a healthcare professional, I am a big promoter of living a healthy, active lifestyle, which led to the creation of La Baie Run.”

“For the fourth year in a row, the proceeds of the race will support the HGH Foundation. Each of us on the organizing committee has received meaningful care at HGH and we recognize the importance of supporting our regional hospital so more services are available right here in Hawkesbury. We are proud to be able to become involved in this way because we all feel it is important that we give back to the community.”

The first three editions of the event have raised a total of $60,000 toward the purchase of important medical equipment at HGH and for 2022 organizers are aiming to raise another $30,000 for the HGH Foundation.

“The organizing committee of La Baie Run has dedicated so much time and effort to building this incredible annual event. Not only have they enabled a very generous financial contribution to benefit our hospital, but they have also helped build a momentum of support for HGH within the community,” Lalonde noted. “I think there’s something really special about watching this group of dynamic individuals rally the participation of companies, schools, families and individuals – all for their hospital.”

“La Baie Run is a true illustration of the power of a community, and we are very grateful to everyone who has contributed.”

Participants of La Baie Run have the option to compete in either a 1 km, 5 km, 10 km, or in a half marathon. There will be four start waves: 7:30 a.m. for the half marathon, 8 a.m. for the 10 km, 8:45 a.m. for the 5km and 9:45 a.m. for the Colour 1km. Runners will get the benefit of chip timing for each race, however participants don’t have to run the courses; they are also welcome to walk them.

The race kit pick-up will be held on Thursday, July 21, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Sports Experts in Hawkesbury. Race kit pick-ups will also be held on Friday, July 22, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, July 23, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at L’Orignal Municipal Park, 772 Front Rd W.

During the event there will be live music from 50 PROOF, as well as great food and drinks to enjoy. Free ice cream and coffee will be offered by Matrix and Totem Roasters. Craft beer will be available on site at the Riverest kiosk.

The event has received the generous support of local sponsors, including its presenting sponsors, Prescott-Russell Employment Services Center, Green Beaver, Harden, Tulmar, Ivaco Rolling Mills and the Catherine et Michel Bertrand Family.

Many of the event sponsors will also have their own kiosks, and – weather-permitting – inflatable games will be on site in case the little ones have energy to spare after their event. There will be lots of prize draws offered in addition to prizes for the top three men and women of each category.

For more information or to register for the event, visit www.labaierun.com before midnight on July 22. There will also be the possibility to register on race day in-person.

Anyone who wishes to volunteer to help on the day of the event can email the organizers at [email protected].

The HGH Foundation & ‘There’s No Place Like Home’ Campaign

The HGH Foundation’s mission is to raise funds in order to improve the care and services offered to the community by the Hawkesbury and District General Hospital. There’s No Place Like Home is an initiative to help provide the highest priority medical equipment so that HGH can add and expand programs and services in key areas such as Orthopedic Surgery, Ophthalmology, Advanced Mammography, Urology and Endoscopy.