Darlene Olsen is not new to helping out people. She has been holding the Creative Tables for Cancer fundraiser in Arcola since 2008.
Creative Tables is a fundraiser which helps women who are going through cancer treatment or have just completed treatment.
Once a month, a workshop is held to help these women; it is called Look Good, Feel Better.
When COVID-19 shut events down, the Creative Table event could not be held, but Olsen felt the need to do something.
Olsen decided to shave her head for cancer. Ten other volunteers joined her. It proved to be successful, but not something that Olsen wanted to do again.
In 2021, it was decided to do a walk/run/ride event. Participants could go five, 10, 15 or 22 kilometres. There are no prizes or placings, just the satisfaction that one had completing the race.
On Aug. 14, the second annual walk/run/ride marathon was held in Arcola.
This year 13 kids took part in the event. A 600-meter mini marathon was set up. Although the kids could go at any speed they liked, they all chose to race to the end.
“The kids were incredible,” Olsen said.
No prizes were given for placings, but the kids were asked to collect a minimum of $50 in donations to sign up.
Thirty-five adults signed up this year for the marathon.
The weather was perfect, at 26 C and the sun shining all day. Last year it was extremely hot, so they were grateful for the great weather.
“This is a fun event. It is not who comes in first or last, but that everyone has a chance to complete the marathon,” said Olsen.
“This event could not happen without all the volunteers or the donations that we receive, like the bottled water. It is the participants that raise the money, and we are thankful.”
The event raised $10,000 through the determination of all that took part in this marathon.
