‘More than just running’: Trail Trot will return to Hiawatha

For the first time since 2019, the Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club is bringing back the Trail Trot for young runners near the end of September at Kinsmen Park.

With more than 30 years of history behind it, the event will host running enthusiasts at Hiawatha for a trio of races:

• 1-kilometre run for children aged 3-7 (1 p.m. start time)
• 2-kilometre run for children aged 8-13 (1:15 p.m. start time)
• 5-kilometre run open to anyone up for the challenge (1:30 p.m. start time)

While the Trail Trot is not a sanctioned Algoma District School Board event, convenor Greg MacLachlan says it’s a nice chance for young athletes to prepare for the upcoming elementary cross-country meet on Oct. 4.

“The 2-kilometre race is a great way for any kids in grades 4-8 to run the course that they will run at the elementary cross-country championship meet,” he told SooToday.

Overseeing the event with Kevin Magill and Shane Dunne, MacLachlan and his colleagues also help organize ADSB’s elementary and high school cross-country skiing, which made a grand return last winter.

Bringing back events that get youth outdoors is imperative according to the White Pines teacher.

“This is about more than just running,” he says. “We’re planting seeds for a love of the outdoors in kids early on. I just think with the way things are in society right now, people need the outdoors with healthy and awesome activities.”

“One thing about the Sault is people might complain we don’t have some of the cultural depth Toronto or bigger cities have, but outdoors wise, we have way more than them. It’s so beautiful at this time of year as well with the fall colours.”

MacLachlan is aiming to have 50 people compete in each of the three races, which will take place at Kinsmen Park in Hiawatha on Sunday Sept. 24.

The entry fee is $15 and registration can be completed here. All funds will go towards the Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club.