Source: simcoe.com
Nearly 300 runners race for Bradford West Gwillimbury
Dominik Kurek
Runners start the 5k run at the 4th annual Run for BWG Saturday, May 24.
Approximately 250-300 runners participated in the 4th annual Run for BWG today, a 3k and 5k event that raises funds for local services.
The race was organized by and held at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at (AMJ) Community in Bradford.
To date, the event has raised approximately $30,000 for the town of Bradford West Gwillimbury’s Library and Cultural Centre and the Leisure Centre. Organizers expected to raise another $10,000 this year with funds also going to the town’s new Family Health Centre.
Chair of the organizing committee, Munawar Chudary, said the community is focused on supporting local healthcare services. The organization raises funds for the hospital in Vaughan, but until now, it had no public health centre to support in Bradford.
“We were waiting for that,” he said. “Because we did not have any family health centre or hospital, we started with the library and Leisure Centre.”
Mr. Chudary said future runs might even support the new health centre alone.
“I’m really proud of the Ahmadiyaa Muslim community here in Bradford, in Ontario and throughout Canada and the world. Love for all, hatred for none, those are words they live by and they’ve showcased it here as well,” said Mayor Doug White, in a public address prior to the race start.
“I just want to say I’m very, very proud. The AMJ gives to Bradford and I am so proud to say Bradford gives back to you.”
The winner of the 3k race was 14-year-old Waleed Irfan, while 16-year-old Usama Shakeel came second and 15-year-old Sulmaan Ali came third.
Winners of the 5k race were brothers Jose Carvalho, 31, in first, Fernando Carvalho, 29, in second and Paula Carvalho in third.
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