First Duck and Run draws 51 participants
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Brandon residents laced up their running shoes Saturday morning for the city’s first-ever Ducks Unlimited Canada Duck and Run.
The event, which exceeded expectations in participation, attracted 51 participants.
Ducks’ volunteer relations manager James Montgomery said the run has been going for several years at Oak Hammock Marsh and across the country.
Participants during the city’s first-ever Ducks Unlimited Canada Duck and Run at the Riverbank Discovery Centre on Saturday morning. (Abiola Odutola/The Brandon Sun)
“This year, we have a record number of runs throughout the country,” he told the Sun. “Very impressed with the turnout, very pleased, thankful for all the supporters and sponsors, participants and our volunteers who put this together.”
The Duck and Run serves as a fundraiser and raised approximately $3,000 to support Ducks Unlimited Canada’s wetland conservation efforts.
“It’s to raise money for vital conservation work that Ducks Unlimited does throughout the country to benefit wildlife and people,” Montgomery said.
While the organizers had hoped to reach $15,000 in its first year, Montgomery said the result still represents a strong start for a new event.
“Throughout the country, I think it’s over $200,000 now, and we raised $3,000 here in Brandon, which is great for a first year,” he said.
Among those taking part was Brandon resident Lucas Eden, who completed the five-kilometre run and finished ninth overall.
“This is my first time in the Duck and Run,” Eden said, noting that he had previously participated in track during his school years and continues to run and walk regularly.
Eden said he started the race strongly before fatigue slowed him down.
“I started off super strong, like really strong,” he said. “Then my smoker’s lungs caught up to me, and I had to take a little break there, and everyone started passing me. So I started running again and got ninth place.”
Despite the challenge, Eden said he was happy with his result and the opportunity to support the cause.
“I’m happy to be here and do the run for sure,” he said.
He plans to return if the event is held again next year.
“I’ll do the 5K again,” Eden said.
Montgomery said organizers are already looking ahead to the future.
“We’ll start planning next year after this, but there will be a run next year, probably likely the same weekend,” he said.
The Brandon event was one of several Duck and Run events held across Canada during the weekend, with the largest gathering taking place at Oak Hammock Marsh, where more than 200 participants were expected to take part.
» aodutola@brandonsun.com
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