Local talent strong at annual Rattler Run
More than 450 runners and walkers took part in a successful race weekend during the 45th Annual Medicine Hat College Rattlers Run, including the run’s oldest participant as well as the introduction of the mascot race.
Organizers say the annual run is the second oldest of its kind in the province, featuring three distances —10, five and three kilometres — and has turned into an iconic event for the local running community.
“It’s just a really cool event to get all these people out running or walking,” says Bill Corcoran, Rattlers running head coach. “It’s the start of spring and just a really cool vibe, and I’m just honoured to be able to be in charge of such an iconic event.”
Rattler runners had a successful Saturday as Rebecca Ross and Madi Scrimger placed first and second in the women’s 10 km. Ross defended her title for the third year in a row by posting a time of 41 minutes 25 seconds.
Corcoran says Ross has been recovering for the past six months from injury and her “huge talent” was on display during the women’s 10 km.
“She’s been rehabbing most of the winter and it’s really only been in the last two or three weeks that she has been able to start running again,” explains Corcoran. “But I know when you’re fit and you put in all that background (training) sometimes it doesn’t take too long to get back up.”
Quinn Halldorson of Medicine Hat took home first place with a “really fast” time under 16 minutes in the men’s 5 km, stopping the clock at 15 minutes and 56 seconds. Corcoran says it was the performance of the day.
Notably as well, 90-year-old Ross Fortier became the oldest competitor, completing the 3 km race, with her walker, in under an hour. Corcoran explains one of Fortier’s friends convinced her to join her in the race.
And she showed up and she said, ‘Can we start a little bit early, because we don’t want to hold up the event.” says Corcoran. “She walked all the way around the college without stopping in just under 52 minutes.
“She had a walker. So before the race I asked, ‘Did you put on your thin tires for this one, Rose,’” joked Corcoran.
This year also marked the inaugural Mascot Race to prove which local mascot has the fastest 100-metre dash, featuring Daniel’s Dip Fairy, Maverick’s Monty, MHC’s Rowdy and Seymour Sun.
“The dill pickle has a much less cumbersome costume than the rest,” says Corcoran. “It was a pretty convincing victory by the pickle fairy so I think the other ones will have to do a little more training for next year.”
Organizers said the annual run wouldn’t be possible without their volunteers and said more than 70 people volunteered their time to make this year’s run a success.