Strong Kids Run serves ‘massive need’

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This article was published 17/05/2025 (281 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

With every stride that marathon runner Trent Gill takes in next Sunday’s Strong Kids Run, he’ll be raising money so more kids in Westman can enjoy programs at Brandon’s YMCA.

Gill and hundreds of other runners have already registered for the event — the YMCA’s biggest one-day fundraising campaign — that begins and ends in front of the Y on the 200 block of Eighth Street.

“It’s a fun event,” Gill said. “I enjoy competing against myself and my past run times, so we’re in it to challenge ourselves. And it feels rewarding to play a very small part in the Strong Kids campaign,” said Gill, who was last year’s winner of the 20K timed event.

The YMCA Strong Kids Run raises money for programs that help give kids opportunities they might otherwise miss out on, said Steven Dyce, program manager at the Y and race director for the run.

Families benefit from discounted memberships, allowing kids to attend programs, fitness classes and summer camp, which gets them exercising and away from technology, Dyce said.

“There’s a massive need for those in-person moments where kids can attend YMCA programs, where they’re active, socializing and being healthy,” said Dyce.

“They’re developing their body, mind and spirit through the YMCA, whether that’s through an art class or physical activity. There are lots of things here that are potentially going to help them grow into productive, healthy, active adults.”

The run is scheduled for May 25 with four different timed events — the five, 10, 15 and 20K — that all start at 8 a.m. and require pre-registration.

There are also five and 10K walks with the same 8 a.m. start time, as well as a one-kilometre family fun run at 10:30 a.m., which people can sign up for on race day.

Dyce said their biggest run before the COVID-19 pandemic had 600 participants.

“We’re around the 300 mark now, so people can still sign up.”

The Strong Kids Run is part of the YMCA’s annual Strong Kids fundraising campaign, which has a goal of $150,000. Last year’s run brought in about $15,000 — one of the most successful since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gill said he would have to confirm with his “training log,” but he has done the 20K for at least the last five years.

He refers to himself as a “local competitive runner,” and has competed in two Boston Marathons — the last one in 2023 on the 10th anniversary of the bombing.

So far this year, Gill has already completed a marathon in Regina, Sask., and is scheduled to run in the Manitoba Marathon in June. Then he’ll go back to Regina for the Queen City Marathon in September.

“I have to give the YMCA credit for putting on this run every year. For anybody who wants to race, or to run, this is a good event,” he said.

“There are two loops, a west and an east. So for my 20K, I do each of them twice. And I would say the hardest part of the course is the final five kilometres, where you run the east end loop for the second time. It includes a part where you climb up 13th Street East from Rosser Avenue up to Lorne or Louise,” said Gill.

“So, if I’m going to get winded or uncomfortable, it’s going to be that last five kilometres.”

Gill was quick to remind all runners and walkers to stay hydrated, pace themselves and not run too hard right out of the starting gate.

When asked if he was “in it to win it” this year, Gill said, “It depends on who else shows up.”

“You just never know in races like these. There could be somebody really fast who’s in a lot better shape and has improved quite a bit since last year.

“Or maybe some big shot from Winnipeg comes out and completely leaves me in the dust. All those things are possible,” Gill said with a chuckle.

» mmcdougall@brandonsun.com

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