The half marathon racers get ready for the 29th annual Rotary Huron Shore Run June 3.

Hub Staff

A morning of beautiful weather and personal bests had Rotary Huron Shore Run athletes and spectators cheering at the 29th annual event that raised over $42,000, 70 percent of the approximate $60,700 total raised, for the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation. The remaining 30 percent goes to the Rotary clubs of Port Elgin and Southampton (10 percent each) and the Saugeen Track and Field Club (10 percent).

The half-marathon had athletes running along the shoreline which saw 25 year old Mitchell Belford of Wasaga Beach once again take the top spot. Belford also came in first in the 2015 and 2016 runs.

The 3 km 14 and under run also saw William Weist of Ajax winning for a third time with 18 year-old Sam Nusselder from Port Elgin taking first place in the 5 km. Nusselder credits racing with the Saugeen Track and Field Club teams as a key to his success. “Running with teammates and even competitors... it really helps to motivate you because you want to stay with them,” said Nusselder. The 5 km winner shaved roughly 50 seconds off his previous personal best which resulted in a time of roughly 15 minutes and 50 seconds.

Half-Marathon runner Stacey Clark of Saugeen Shores had a great return to the Huron Shore Run shaving approximately 5 minutes off her 2016 run to finish with a time of 1:40:15. “It was a great day, I'm very happy and I beat my time from last year,” said Clark who said for anyone that is thinking about getting into long distance running to take it one kilometre at time, adding that it’s “a great reward.”

The PLAY Fun Run was free and open to children and saw loads of children race down Southampton’s Millard Boulevard, passing the by the giant flag in Southampton.

Before 10 km race, runners and walkers from Saugeen First Nation led the athletes in a march down High Street which followed with the annual stretching session with Fitness Corner owner Holly Vandserzwet.

Rotary organizer John Van Bastelaar said that the day was a great success and that they’ve ordered the same weather conditions for next year. “It’s a perfect day for running and [the runners] really had a good time and everything went well on the course. The traffic control went well and all our volunteers did a great job,” he said. The Rotary Huron Shore Run had approximately 80 volunteers for the June 3 event.

Van Bastelaar was particularly proud of the opening ceremonies by members of Saugeen First Nation which featured Chief Lester Anoquot. “We had huge feedback from last year and that’s why we had them again this year. It’s really nice to have both communities work together,” he said.

Race results were not available at the time of publishing but are expected to be posted to enfieldtiming.com/results/ when they become available.

A sea of red could be seen running down Millard Boulevard in Southampton for the free PLAY Fun Run June 3.

Some runners ran with their parents in toe while others ran on their toes.

Three year old Anderson Barfoot during the PLAY Fun Run at the Rotary Huron Shore Run June 3.

Led by Saugeen First Nation, Huron Shore Run participants head down High Street June 3.

The 10 km racers were an exuberant crowd at the 29th annual Huron Shore Run June 3.

The youthful 5 km runners and bladers were in the ready position ahead of the countdown.

The 14 and under 3 km race at the Huron Shore Run June 3.

William Weist from Ajax, Ontario won the 14 and under 3 km for the third year in a row.

The 5 km walkers at the 29th annual Rotary Huron Shore Run June 3.

Half marathoner Stacey Clark as she finishes her race, beating her 2016 time by six minutes.

Half marathon runner Erin Saunders and her adoring fans at the 29th annual Rotary Huron Shore Run June 3.

Eighteen year old Sam Nusselder from Port Elgin took first place in the 5 km race June 3.

For more photos see: 29th annual Rotary Huron Shore Run in pictures