Our YMCA service club has been putting on the Run through the Rapids 5K and 10K since 1969 as a fundraiser for Camp Manitoulin. As a members of the YMCA service club, Syd Baxter and I took on the roles of co-race directors. I never saw myself as a racer, but I could organize. Syd and I led it for over 25 years.

The run started as the Grand Valley Marathon. Over the years, it evolved to Run thru Apple Country, and eventually Run thru the Rapids when the downtown YMCA opened in 2005 and became the new headquarters. The service club members were our volunteers. We held the race the week before the Grand Rapids Marathon for a few years, then on the Saturday of Marathon weekend. After Covid, we moved the 5K & 10K to Sunday and start right after the Marathon and Half Marathon. Combining forces on marathon day saves a lot of money in expenses, and allows us to donate twice as much money to Camp Manitoulin.

I personally like to run. I started in 1972. At the original downtown Y, I ran the small indoor track alone for seven years. Then someone invited me to run outside with them. He got me started with a four-mile course along with a small group that called ourselves the B Team because we weren’t fast. Running outside with others made all the difference. I kept running until I simply couldn’t keep up the miles. My desire to run outlasted my ability. I have some health issues now, and my doctor attributes my ability to survive stage four terminal lung cancer to my lifelong fitness. For several years after I stopped running, I was able to stay involved as a volunteer. There were things I could do to help others, which is why I serve.