Dressed for the weather — surely on mom’s advice — Calgarians of all ages sported their spandex yesterday for the 33rd annual Mother’s Day Run and Walk.
Many mothers were enjoying the opportunity to spend time with their kids and even though the weather was bleak, the crowd was pumped up and ready to go.
Lisa Barnhart was participating in the race as she has done for years, but for the first time she brought her two young daughters Ava and Myah.
“It means everything to me; this is the best Mother’s Day ever,” said Barnhart, daughters clinging tightly to her side.
Both the five- and 10-kilometre races began in front of the Calgary Tower, continued down 9th Avenue, south to Mount Royal and back, said John Forzani, a spokesman for the race.
The run raises money for neo-natal intensive care in Calgary hospitals, while providing family bonding — often before a mothers day brunch — according to Forzani.
“It’s turning into a Calgary tradition now,” he said.
While some were out to win the $1,000 prize for first place, most of the crowd just seemed to be enjoying the quality time.
Lisa Marescaux is an avid runner, but she was walking with her mom Ruth in the event.
“This is so special that she would let go of her running to be with me,” said Ruth.
