The weather was perfect this year for Grand Valley’s fourth annual Chase the Tornado run.
The event attracted 92 participants: 74 in the 10km run and 18 in the 5km run/walk.
Local MPP Sylvia Jones sounded the horn in the kids fun run. All participants wore bib #1 and received a ribbon and snack upon completion.
Runners in the main event warmed up with a Zumba, session, led by Amanda Philip.
Then at 10am Mayor John Oosterhof sounded the horn for the opening charge through downtown Grand Valley.
Just 34 minutes, 25 seconds later, Cody Beals of Fergus crossed the finish line beating the course record set May 27, 2012 and winning $100. Heather Pady still holds the women’s course record from 2012 with a time of 43:35.
Post-race celebrations included a barbecue provided by the Grand Valley Lions and a presentation of medals by project manager, Margery Cruise. Winners received prizes donated by Running Free in Orangeville and age group winners were awarded medals.
The measured 10km course included 1.6km of rail-trail and water stations.
Dufferin OPP and Dufferin EMS were on site for the event.
Profits from the event will be gifted back to support specific projects. Some funds will be held in reserve for Run Dufferin’s operations and their ongoing project to “get kids active through running.”
Race results are available at ChasetheTornado.com with photos posted on facebook.
On a Friday afternoon 29 years ago, a tornado cut through Grand Valley, tearing straight down Amaranth St., and heading east. The Chase the Tornado run follows the same path as that tornado, taking a scenic route that crosses the Grand River four times.
