On Saturday, June 1, runners took off from the starting line to enjoy the views along Lake Huron as they participated in the 31st annual Rotary Huron Shore Run in Southampton.

Hub Staff

It was a spectacular day for the 799 runners, walkers and rollers who participated in the Rotary Huron Shore Run in Saugeen Shores June 1. In its 31st year, the annual run raised money for the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation, the Rotary Clubs of Southampton and Port Elgin and the Saugeen Track and Field Club.

Half marathoners jogged up and down side streets to keep warm as Master of Ceremonies, John Divinski from 98 The Beach, keeping a close eye on the clock, prepared to send the 111 runners off at 8 a.m. sharp.

Next up was the children’s Fun Run led by Kamps for Kids founders Jodi Tomori and Stefanie Carr. The air was still brisk as Tomori and Carr riled up the enthusiastic crowd with a lively warmup, before their walk down to the flagpole where they raced back to the finish line.

Then the 10k runners and the 5k runners and walkers were escorted down High Street by Piper Steve Wolfe. At the starting line, the crowd was met by Holly Vanderzwet from Fitness Corner who roused them with a quick pre-race workout. Spirits ran high amongst the participants and the supporters that lined both sides of High Street.

Cody Shewfelt was first to cross the finish line in the Male Half Marathon category with a time of 1:22:08. Shortly after, the first female, Brianna Cavan from Annan finished at 1:28:25. This is the third consecutive year Cavan has taken first place female in the Rotary Huron Shore Half Marathon.

The overall 10k winners were Hanna Lynch (female) at 34:47 and John Martin (male) from Hanover at 38:41 and at just 11 years old, Keira Snelling from Red Bay was the third female to finish in the 10k with a time of 42:55.

The 5k race was won by Sam Nusselder at 15:26 in the male category and Erika Scott finished with a time of 19:07 which earned her a first place in the female category. Lucca Van Weiringen (11) and Hannah Lauzon (12) were the male and female winners for the 3K race.

"We are elated that the Rotary Huron Shore Run was a resounding success again this year," said event organizer June Van Bastelaar in an email June 3, adding that it was a perfect sunny day "along one of the most beautiful courses anywhere."

Van Bastelaar said the 120 children ages 8 and under who took part in the Kids' Fun Run was the most exciting news of all. "They were very excited about their race and about the swag and medals that they received," she said.

While the financials are still being tallied, Van Bastelaar said she expects to pass along between $40,000 and $50,000 to the hospital foundation, rotary clubs and track club with the hospital foundation getting the lion's share.

"We want to send out a huge thank you to all the participants as well as the 80 volunteers and the over 50 sponsors who helped us to defray the costs of the event. Kudos to all of those who raised funds, both on-line and in person," said Van Bastelaar. "We were also very grateful for the support of the Saugeen Shores Public Works staff, Police and Paramedic Services and the Walker House for preparing and donating the lunch," she said.

The 32nd annual Rotary Huron Shore Run is set for June 6, 2020.

For full results on the 2019 Run, visit results.rmraces.live/Southampton-Rotary-Club/events/2019/Rotary-Huron-Shore-Run2019/results.

Stefani Carr (front) and Jodi Tomori warmed up the kids before the Fun Run June 1 in Southampton.

Olivia Clark (8) was first to cross the finish line for the children’s Fun Run in Southampton June 1.

John Divinski from 98 The Beach kept the participants and spectators entertained with his encouraging and whimsical commentary throughout the 31st annual Rotary Huron Shore Run.

Fitness Corner's Holly Vanderzwet put her fitness training skills to work to get the race participants' blood pumping.

Keira Snelling (11) from Red Bay completed her 10k with a personal best of 42:55, which placed her third overall in the female 10k. Her sister, Sydney Snelling also made the podium with a first place in the 5k for her age group (U19).

With just seconds to go, runners were ready to launch at the 31st annual Rotary Huron Shore Run June 1.

Hiatt Rich (10) from Southampton crossed the finish line after her completed his 3k run in Southampton June 1.

Saugeen Shores Councillor John Rich (right) finished the 10k run, helping to support the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation June 1.

Brecken (left) and Brielle hold up signs they made to cheer on their mom, Kate Hagen, who ran the 5k at the Rotary Huron Shore Run June 1.

Lachlan McDonald beat his mom, Michell Belanger, to the finish line in their 3k run at the 31st annual Rotary Huron Shore Run in Saugeen Shores.

Port Elgin Naturopath David Miller completed the 5k run June 1 in Southampton.

From left, Sydney Snelling, Keira Snelling, Matt Snelling. The entire Snelling family participated in the Rotary Huron Shore Run June 1 in Southampton. Sydney (9) ran the 5k with her dad while Keira (11) ran the 10k. Mom, Barb Snelling, missed the photo as she had already taken off on the Half Marathon.

Laura Misch (right) with son Harrison (left) and Leona (hiding) prepared for their 5k walk in Southampton at the Rotary Huron Shore Run.

Young participants of the Rotary Huron Shore Fun Run hurried down to their race from the flag pole June 1.

Hunter Dimmick (front) finished his 5k race a few strides ahead of his dad, Dave Dimmick, at the 31st annual Rotary Huron Shore Run.

Piper Steve Wolfe escorted participants down High Street.