The third annual Royal Road Race hosted by the Jaleta Pacers in partnership with the RCMP took place on May 11, 2013 with over 600 participants competing in 5 km and 10 km walking and running events. A 1 km Mini Mountie Fun Run organized by RCMP cadets was also held for children at this family-friendly event which promotes wellness and the sport of running on the Mother’s Day weekend.

The Royal Road Race is designed for all ages and abilities from walkers to elite runners and provides a unique opportunity to participate in the company of cadet troops at the Home of the RCMP. The course is laid out entirely within the boundaries of the historic RCMP Training Academy commonly known as Depot.

Excellent running conditions and a competitive field of national calibre athletes resulted in the following new course records being set this year:

5 km (Men) - New Course Record – Greg Hetterley (Regina) 16:33

5 km (Women) – New Course Record – Jennifer Souter (Saskatoon) 18:30

Matt Johnson of Regina won the 10 km Timex Series race in 31:25 and Bevin Kenelly won the women’s 10 km Timex Series race in 36:05.

Medals were also presented to the male and female winners competing in various age categories and gift certificates to first place mothers in the 5 km and 10 km events.

For a complete listing of Royal Road Race results please visit www.resultscanada.com.

The Jaleta Pacers and the RCMP are committed to giving back to the community by participating in various fundraising activities. A total of $16,000 was raised from the proceeds of the 2013 Royal Road Race. The Jaleta Pacers presented a cheque for $8000 to the University of Regina for the Jaleta Pacers Scholarship Fund which assists students who have overcome adversity. The RCMP presented a cheque for $8000 to Hope’s Home which offers early learning and daily respite for medically fragile children.

The Royal Road Race is quickly gaining recognition as one of the top events on the national road race calendar. Popular features of the event include participants being led to the starting line by the RCMP Pipes and Drums Band, RCMP members in red serge at the finish line and the post-race hot brunch served in the RCMP Mess Hall.

Next year’s race will be held once again before Mother’s Day on Saturday, May 10, 2014.

Photo courtesy Sawatzky Studios