The second annual Run for Change raised $3,500 for The Grind Youth Centre.

About 65 runners braved the early-morning heat to take part in the half marathon, five-kilometre and 10-kilometre events starting and finishing near the beach at Riverside Park. The event was organized by Krista Johnson, who enjoys finding ways to promote fitness and the well-being of youth in her community.

Since the funds raised through the Run for Change do benefit youth, she was happy to see young people participating in the runs, which attracted more participants in the distance events. She is hoping the event will continue to grow in participants and funds raised. Ms. Johnson noted the community was very supportive of the event as sponsors stepped up to help the total raised.

The top five finishers in the half marathon were Riley Johnston in a time of 1:17.10, Ben Jones close behind in second in a time of 1:18.05, Andy Best third in a time of 1:37.54, Bruce Oattes was fourth with a time of 1:38.05 and James Gallant was fifth with a time of 1:46.24.

In the 10k, first across the line was Nathan Townsend with a time of 38:09, followed by Leslie Spencer-Hitchins with a time of 46:27, Rob Sapinskie with a time of 48:24, Amber Corby in fourth with a time of 1:00.03 and Cari-Lynn McSorley in fifth with a time of 1:03.28.

In the 5k, Nathan Latchford was first with a time of 20:50, Brian Hunter was second with a time of 21:30, close behind in third was Zoe Johnston with a time of 21:58, Allison Verekyn was fourth with a time of 22:34 and Jackey MacGregor was fifth with a time of 23:40.

Tina Peplinskie is a Daily Observer multimedia journalist

Twitter: @TPeplinskieOBS

tina.peplinskie@sunmedia.ca