Hundreds of runners are expected to lace up for the 63rd annual Watford Alvinston Road Race on Victoria Day.
Registration will open at the Watford Community Arena at 6 a.m. on Monday. Buses will then depart from the arena to the starting lines. Participants can choose to walk or run eight kilometres or 16 km along Highway 79.
Race Chairman Jackson Hamel said over 220 people pre-registered for the event, which is on par with previous years.
"We get a lot on race day because a lot of people want to wait and see how the weather is so we're usually around 300 -- or just over 300," he said.
Hamel also said many people are looking forward to the event's return after it was held virtually at one point during the pandemic. He said the event typically sees runners from outside of the region as well.
"It's been really cool to meet all the people who race [across the province.] It's really eye-opening," said Hamel. "There are a few people who even come from out of province. There's one guy from Saskatchewan who comes every year because he used to live here."
Money raised during the event will go toward youth programs provided by the Watford Optimist Club. Hamel said a fundraising goal has not been set.
The race day registration is $50 per participant. The award ceremony will take place at 10 a.m.
