More than 400 people gathered in L’Orignal on Saturday, July 27 to participate in La Baie Run 2024.
All profits from the run go to the Hawkesbury and District General Hospital (HGH) Foundation.
Since La Baie Run was first held in 2019, it has raised more than $115,000 for the foundation’s various fundraising objectives.
“We’re pretty lucky, we have a good community here, the sponsors are amazing,” said Race Director Julien Santini.
He said a lot of work goes into organizing the event, which includes a half-marathon, 10-kilometre, 5 kilometre, and 1 kilometre race.
“The community likes to get together,” observed Santini.
Luca Bédard of Grenville celebrated after being the first to finish the 10-kilometre race with a time of 40 minutes and 45 seconds. Bédard was also one of the first runners across the starting line when the race began.
HGH Foundation Executive Director Erin Tabakman said the funds raised at La Baie Run will go toward purchasing equipment required for the second phase of the foundation’s campaign to enable more ophthalmology services at HGH. The first phase involved introducing cataract surgery to the hospital and the second phase will introduce diagnosis and treatment for glaucoma and macular degeneration at HGH. The introduction of ophthalmology at the hospital has reduced the need for patients to travel to Ottawa for treatment.
Tabakman said plans continue for the expansion of urology services at HGH, including kidney stone treatment.
La Baie Run organizers and the HGH Foundation will have an official total on how much money was raised in the weeks ahead.
