Last Sunday's Huronia Half- Marathon fundraiser for the Midland YMCA Strong Kids Campaign saw 200 participants run in one of several races including a 2 km fun run, a 10 km race and the 21 km main event. They ran for many reasons; to raise money for a program that helps low-income families become Y members, to achieve personal fitness goals or just for the pleasure of running on a sunny, spring day.

It was a family affair for Midland resident Katrina Urquhart, who ran with teenaged children Morgan and David Anderson. Urquhart, a novice runner, says, "At the start of the race, we were planning to run together as a family, but it was obvious David wasn't going to be able to restrain himself to my pace. He ran ahead and placed third for his age group.

Morgan stayed with me and our running was so in synch with each other, someone even commented on it. I've never tried running 10 km and I'm sure I'd have let myself walk if Morgan hadn't been there."

Urquhart and daughter Morgan also have roles in the upcoming Huronia Players production of Our Town at the Midland Cultural Centre and although they had to miss a rehearsal for the race, Urquhart remarks that there actually was a benefit: "They have to keep taking my costume in at dress rehearsals because of my training for this event."

Naomi Bell, General Manager for the Midland YMCA says the event was very successful, raising around $5,120 for local families who cannot afford a membership. She says, "Twenty-eight percent of our membership is assisted through Strong Kids so it's really making a difference in our community."

A couple of participants decided to sprint to the altar during the race; Susan Reynolds and Phil David got married under a tent at the halfway mark of the half-marathon.

The bride wore a veil and the groom wore a purple t-shirt, as did several wedding attendants; the words Going the Distance and the wedding date were printed on the back.

Bell says, "It's the 29th year of the half-marathon event and this is the very first time we've ever had a wedding."