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www.oakvillebeaver.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, April 9, 2010 · 46 Mercedes-Benz 10K race looks to build on its initial success By Daniel Perry SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER The running community is thriving in Oakville and it's time it got a chance to showcase its talents at home. And, maybe win a new car too. Approximately 30 people gathered at MercedesBenz Oakville Autohaus Wednesday night to promote the second annual Mercedes-Benz Oakville 10K, to be held April 25. The race, which begins on the campus of Appleby College, will give all of its proceeds to Oakville's United Way. "Last year, the new owner ownership of Mercedes-Benz Oakville changed hands. The new owner felt a need to strengthen their ties to the Oakville community," said Nick Jelinek, president of InField Marketing Group, the agency in charge of organizing the race. "Around the same time we discovered that the runners per capita in Oakville are perhaps greater than they are in a lot of other places. Yet we only have one or two smaller events in our community for them to participate in. So, we created the Mercedes-Benz Oakville 10K." Jelinek told the crowd about the race's progress and the future goals for everyone involved. "Last year we had over 1,000 runners, which is almost unheard of for a first-time race," he said. "This year we will surpass 1,700, so growth has been sensational. Our three-year goal is to become the largest participatory event in Oakville, with over 5,000 runners." There will be three parts to the race and and runners can still sign up. The 10K run will be the first to leave the starting line at Appleby College at 8:30 a.m. One lucky participant will drive away in a brand-new 2010 Mercedes-Benz B-class car through a random draw, as long as they finish the whole race. The 10K power NIKKI WESLEY / OAKVILLE BEAVER READY TO RUN: The second annual Mercedes-Benz Oakville 10K will take place April 25. On hand to help promote this year's event Wednesday were (from left) Eric Steward of New Balance, United Way chair Tim Johnston, race organizer Nick Jelinek, Mercedes-Benz general manager Mark LeRoeye and Ben Nelson of New Balance, a sponsor of the event.This year's race is expected to attract 1,700 runners with proceeds from the event going to the United Way. walk begins at 8:35 a.m. and the 1K junior jog for youth aged 6-12 kicks off at 10:30 a.m. The community event will also feature a 300-metre toddler trot for anyone up to five years old and a high school challenge that has been organized by the running team at Appleby College. Race officials are even offering a trophy for the winning team to take back to their school and $500 donation to the United Way in their school's name. "We are issuing a challenge to all high schools in Oakville and the winning high school, with the three best times, will win a trophy for their school and official bragging rights saying that they're the fastest high school," said Andy Jelinek, the director of service learning at Appleby College. "We don't know who is going to win, but the challenge is out there. We've contacted all of the local high schools, so we'll have to see who takes us up on the offer." Mayor Rob Burton was among those present Wednesday night. He talked about the athletic success achieved by many Oakville residents. To register for the race, go to mercedes10k.com to fill out an application. It costs $55 to run in the 10k race if you sign up before April 24. The price goes up to $60 if you sign up on race day. Registration for the 10k power walk is also $55 until April 24. Only 1,500 spots are open in these races though. They are available on a firstcome, first-serve basis. Signing up for the 1k junior jog costs $10 and participants in the toddler trot get to take part for free. BRONTE TENNIS CLUB REGISTRATION Saturday, April 10 &17 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. AT THE CLUBHOUSE 2310 Bridge Rd. (between 3rd Line & Bronte Rd.) RATES THIS WEEKEND ONLY Register for a Junior Junior Adult Adult Couple Couple Family Family ...$50.00 ...$50.00 ...$115.00 ...$100.00 ...$170.00 ...$150.00 ...$200.00 ...$175.00 Bonsu bound for Wilfrid Laurier Doreen Bonsu, the captain of the Holy Trinity girls basketball team for the last two years, will join the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks in the fall. The 5-foot-8 small forward is a three-time Halton all-star while earning honours in the classroom. Laurier coach Paul Falco said Bonsu and fellow recruit Kim Yeldon will improve the team's rebounding. "They are physical players who enjoy getting to the glass at both ends of the floor." FREE TRIAL CLASS SPACES LIMITED info@igita.ca We Encourage New Members Active membership, ladder, leagues, lessons, social events, excellent teaching pro. For more information, call the clubhouse at 905-847-8033 www.brontetennis.com