First, second and last, but finishing the Run/Walk is what counts. (L to R) Andrew Chubb, ABGC Director Jessica Jock-Cree, Eli Tarbell and Teharatats David.

The 5th Annual Heart to Heart and Akwesasne Boys and Girls Club 10K Walk & Run Race took place on Saturday, June 9th. The event began at 8 am, giving time to individuals to register last minute. The official beginning of the race started at 9 am, with the participants divided into two groups, walkers and runners. The race began at Heart to Heart Fitness Center and ended at Heart to Heart Fitness, with food and music for the participants to enjoy. This year there were well over 200 participants who actively participated in the event. The Walk/Run offered pre-registration for the event, with a discount for those who registered before May 26th. Each participant had to pay a $25 registration fee, from which they received entry into the race, a 1 month gift certificate to Heart to Heart Fitness, a free t-shirt and a bag.

Cash prizes were given out to the top three racers from both the men’s and women’s category. This year, 1st place men’s went to Teharatats David, 2nd place went to Andrew Chubb and 3rd place went to Zach Gavin. In the women’s category, 1st place went to Carrie Pomainville, 2nd place went to Claudette Mainville and 3rd place went to Emily Lauzon.

The money raised by the event is donated to the Akwesasne Boys and Girls Club to help with their operating costs.

The top three finalists in the women’s division: (L to R) Emily Lauzon (3rd), Claudette Mainville (2nd) and Carrie Pomainville (1st).

Jessica Cree-Jock, Director of the Akwesasne Boys and Girls Club stated “I would like to thank Tarbell Management Group for their continued support for the youth in community.”

This year’s event was held on a different date, to help kick off the Akwesasne Boys and Girls Club Fundraising Week which is set to take place from June 28th to July 1st, at Generations Park, the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino and Resort, Cedar View Golf Course, and Mohawk Mulisha.

Kevin Castor, Race Director stated “This year was one of the most successful races yet. We had a lot more sponsors, who had a choice of paying $60 to $200 for sponsorship. Next year, I plan to reach out to organizations and businesses outside the community for sponsorship, too. I would like to thank Roger Allan, my assistant manager, and Tarbell Management group as a corporation for letting me do this.”