On your marks … get set for Iqaluit Run 2024

Organizers of three races in Iqaluit this weekend hope to bring the community together with fun, family-oriented activities focusing on health and wellness.

“We aim to promote health and wellness while enjoying the camaraderie that comes with the event itself,” said Kabelo Mokoena, president of the African Caribbean Association of Nunavut which has organized Saturday’s event.

Runners can lace up for a two-kilometre, five-kilometre, or 10-kilometre race.

Iqaluit Run 2024 is set to kick off on Saturday from noon until 4 p.m., with the first race —  the 10-kilometre run — starting out from Nakashuk Elementary School at noon.

The five-kilometre race is scheduled to start at 1:30 p.m., across from Northmart.

And the two-kilometre competition is to take off from the school, also at 1:30.

The starts will be staggered to allow for each run to finish around the same time.

The event is a first for the African Caribbean Association of Nunavut, whose purpose is “to build a community where all feel welcome and have a sense of belonging, honouring our heritage and Inuit Nunangat.”

Participants will receive a free T-shirt and the top three finishers of each race will receive a medal and a cash prize, Mokoena said.

“Come outside and have a fun time with family, bring and walk with your dog as well, we don’t discriminate on animals,” Mokoena said.

There will be a break after the end of the races, then an awards ceremony and multicultural celebration at 7 p.m. at the Franco-Centre.

“We will be taking people around the world musically,” Mokoena said. Local DJ’s will play songs that celebrate Inuit culture and from around the world.

Interested runners can sign up for their chosen race on Eventbrite. There is no cost to participate in the events.