Perhaps you’ve already been a participant or maybe it’s in your future plans, but the 5th edition of La Grande Ruée, held last Saturday, June 16th, under the sunny skies of Angrignon Park, raised an impressive $325,000! The money raised by the Ultramar Foundation supports a number of different children’s charities.

The donations collected during the event have been distributed to several organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, which received a check for $75,000.00. Since the first edition of La Grande Ruée in 2014, $1.6 million has been raised and donated to various organizations focusing on services and assistance to children in need. All this is possible thanks to the runners, walkers and partners who continue to come together to make this an overwhelmingly successful annual fundraiser!

More than 1,000 participants gathered at the starting line on the morning of June 16th to start the five-kilometer obstacle course that ran through the enormous park in Montreal’s Ville-Emard borough. This fifth edition attracted many families who came to walk or run their own pace along the winding paths of the park, which were dotted with inflatable games for kids as well as refreshment stands. Fifty volunteers were present to host, direct and provide information to all the participants.

For first time participants, crossing the finish line held a plethora of surprises! With inflatable facilities at the point of entry to an exciting party area, participants could now reap the rewards of their physical efforts in multiple tents where food, frozen treats and beverages were distributed thanks to the valuable contributions of several partners.

The 2018 edition of La Grande Ruée closed out with a show by Salmigondis and weather that couldn’t have been more perfect. We only wish it was already time for the 2019 edition so we could do it all over again!