Runners of all ages and abilities in Medicine Hat will once again take to the trails along the South Saskatchewan River as the YMCA’s 42nd annual River Run returns on June 20.
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The event features a full slate of distances, including a 21.5-kilometre half-marathon, 10K, 5K and 3K routes, as all races begin at the YMCA’s downtown location in the horseshoe parking lot and follow pathways along the river and through the city.
Katie Richard, marketing and communications manager of YMCA Southeastern Alberta, said planning is well underway, with strong sponsor support and early registration numbers ahead of race day.
Richard said participation continues to grow as registration normally spikes in the final days leading up to the event, with 377 runners already registered, up from 305 at the same point last year.
The race also serves as a key fundraiser for the YMCA’s Y Connect campaign, which helps offset the cost of programs such as memberships, swimming lessons and summer camps through financial assistance.
Linda Tooth, manager of philanthropy and volunteer engagement, said all of the proceeds from the River Run go directly back into the campaign.
“It helps keep our services affordable for those who need support,” Tooth said.
The Y Connect fundraising campaign is currently open and runs until June 30.
Tooth said the River Run acts as a community showcase for the organization.
“It allows us to bring the community together as a whole, it’s a very picturesque run, and it really lets us celebrate,” Tooth said.
Alongside race participation, organizers are also promoting a 50/50 draw and raffle, with prizes including two tickets anywhere WestJet flies.
Last year’s River Run champion, Heloise Shrives, will also return to the event this year after winning the half-marathon in 2025.
While Shrives is back to compete, she said, repeating as champion is not her primary goal.
“The aim was just to come and run and see how I feel on the day, wouldn’t say lots of pressure to try and win it again, it’s more just coming and enjoying it and having fun at the run,” Shrives said.
The race will serve as part of a larger training plan for Shrives, who recently completed the Calgary Marathon and is preparing for another competition later in the Summer.
“The half-marathon for me would just be part of my training, I am training for another full marathon coming up at the end of August, so it’s part of the training program,” Shrives said.
“This is a great community event, and it’s just so great to have your family and friends and everybody around.”
Shrives said one of the highlights of race day is the atmosphere created by spectators, family members and fellow runners.
“Doing these races and just the atmosphere that’s there on the day of races, it’s such a great community and people just support, and you have everyone cheering you on, so that’s great,” Shrives said.
Registration for the run closes June 17 at 8 p.m., with no refunds available after June 10.
