Run for Heritage 5K returns with culture, community and strong support
The Vedic Cultural Centre (VCC) is inviting the community to come together for an afternoon of fitness, culture, and connection at the 2nd Annual Run for Heritage 5K Run & Walkathon on May 3 at 1 p.m. Registration begins at noon and will feature more than a dozen local vendors, community businesses, and a live DJ to energize participants.
Organizers say the event goes beyond physical activity, offering an opportunity to honour shared history and cultural roots. The Run for Heritage 5K Run & Walkathon will not only promote healthy living for community members and participants, but will also “celebrate culture, community, and shared heritage,” says Varun Kumar, Chair of the VCC South Asian Heritage Committee.
Interest in the event has already exceeded expectations.
“We’ve already surpassed our participant registrations from last year and are still getting calls from vendors who want to support our community,” says Sanjay Kumar, Founder and Chair of the Run for Heritage. “We are very grateful for the enthusiastic support we’re getting. We were amazed at how many people, ranging from young families to runners, joined last year. It’s going to be an exciting day for everyone.”
The family-friendly fundraiser aims to raise awareness and support for the preservation of artifacts and historical documents that tell the story of indentured labourers in the Caribbean under British colonial rule between 1838 and 1917.
Proceeds from the event will go toward conserving items—some more than a century old—that will be showcased at the 28th Annual Caribbean Indian Heritage Event on May 23 at the Vedic Cultural Centre, beginning at 3 p.m. Highlights will include a demonstration of historical instruments by Devin Ramoutar of the Sangeet Store, along with storytelling, music, dance, and a fashion showcase tracing styles from the 1800s to the present day.
For more Run for Heritage event information, visit eventbrite.ca/e/annual-5k-run-walkathon-heritage-program-fundraiser-tickets-1980090416739?aff=oddtdtcreator