More people have pre-registered to participate in the 64th annual Watford Alvinston Road Race but the Victoria Day event will be without one of its organizers.
Jackson Hamel said his fellow co-chair Jan Joosten passed away earlier this month.
An obituary said the dedicated firefighter and avid volunteer died on May 4, at the age of 56.
Hamel said this year's race will be tough without Joosten.
"He was a huge help to the committee and it was a huge loss to the community," said Hamel. "Every little thing that most people struggle [with], he would just get it done. … He was just an incredible hand in the community."
Over 250 people had pre-registered for the event, as of Tuesday. Hamel said he suspects the slight uptick in participation has to do with an increased presence on social media.
The event on Monday, May 22 includes two route options along Nauvoo Road (County Road 79) , an 8K and a 16K race.
"The 8K is a walk/run, you can take your time, enjoy the scenery of the country and then the 16K is a little more aggressive, you have to run more than I could ever do," joked Hamel.
Money raised will go back into the community through programs and events organized by the Watford Optimist Club.
For those who missed the online pre-registration deadline, Hamel said participants can register on site from 6 a.m. until 8 a.m. at the East Lambton Community Complex.
The 16K race will start at 8:30 a.m. and the 8K begins at 9 a.m.
There are some road closures in the area due to construction projects but Hamel said they've been assured the race route will be open for the event. Further details about the race can be found by clicking here.
The annual Road Race returned to being held in-person last year.