Following a successful first year as a virtual event, Powassan’s Maple Hill Sap Run has high expectations for its second online event.
Jared Dupuis, run organizer, says he was surprised to have over 100 people participate last year.
“It’s a fairly outgoing town. When there are events going on for good causes, the people get behind them,” Dupuis said.
The fourth annual Sap Run looks to continue to raise money for both youth recreation in Powassan, and a community garden for youth and adolescents with mental health struggles through a partnership with the North Bay Regional Health Centre.
Money is raised through people signing up for the run, with participants having to map their own five or 10-kilometre route that they navigate on their own.
Following a successful inaugural year in 2018, which saw over 200 participants, Dupuis kept the momentum going in Year 2 by holding the run on the same weekend as Powassan’s maple syrup festival. He says over 300 people participated in 2019.
When it became clear in 2020 that the event would have to go virtual, Dupuis was worried that interest would dwindle.
That worry was quickly dissolved, with over 100 people participating. Dupuis says he is prepared for what the second virtual event will hold.
“We have the groundwork down and people know what to expect,” he said, adding he anticipates over 200 people will participate this year.
“People are looking for things to do right now,” Dupuis commented. “I think people know the value of exercise and the boost that it gives you not just physically, but mentally.”
The biggest change to this year’s virtual event will be that it runs over two days instead of one.
“It gives a little more leeway for people on their weekends to do it when they want,” Dupuis explained. “People can run anywhere at any time.”
The run will be held on April 24 and 25. You can sign up to participate by clicking here.
