For the second year in a row, 98 women and children came together for the annual Hip Chicks fun walk and run to help women feel comfortable in the own skin.
The 5-kilometre walk/run was not timed and participants were able to complete the course at their own pace, with water stations along the way. The course began at Westview Park and continued to the downtown core
“You start and finish at your own pace,” she said. “Don’t feel like you’re in a race. That’s not what this is about.”
Event organizer Heather Ireland said she created the event to help women believe that they can do anything.
“We have women who are runners, walkers and who are trying to get healthier,” she said. “Go and have fun and be hip.”
After participating in a couple of walking events, Ireland said that is where she got the inspiration to create the Hip Chicks. She and her husband welcomed a son earlier last year and after saying she wanted to get healthy again, that was when she realized she wanted to create an event to help women’s self-confidence.
“I just wanted to feel good again,” she said.
Throughout the walk/run, quotes from participants were posted on billboards to help the women keep motivated to complete the course. The names of prize winners were also posted on billboards. Prizes were donated by local businesses.
“Thank you to so many businesses and individuals,” she said of the generous prizes.
Before the course, women were treated to yoga lessons by Kim Bartlett as well as Zumba lessons by Kellie Robinson of No Excuse Zumba.
“Now I hope you’re all ready and warmed up,” said Ireland, before the send off.
The event helped women come out of their shells and be empowered. Walker Melissa Puzak said she's most proud of her sister, Tamara, who is visually impaired and completed the walk.
"She completed the 5.5-km walk blind and it was real tough on her," she said. "We might have been last but she did it. I enjoyed it. It is nice to have everyone come together."
Event participant Candy Hitchcock McCartney was happy of the turnout and enjoyed the walk.
“Had a great time,” she said. “Will definitely do it again next year.”
The event was a fundraiser to help support MapleGate House for Women, which just purchased a new rooming house and is working on a men’s shelter.
Event participant Joanne Graham said she was happy to have done the run and is looking forward to next year’s run.
“Thanks Heather. Now where do I sign up for next year?”