A morning in the single digits greeted a record 478 participants in a series of races at Point Pelee National Park this past Sunday, all to benefit three local charities.
Race Director Dave Campbell, Registration Director Liz Campbell, Coordinator Denise Gaffan and Media/Marketing Director Jenn Johns steered the ship for the Southern Footprint races which included a mascot race, a 1K kids’ dash, a 5K walk, a 5K run, a 10K run and a 15K run.
Dave Campbell shared his appreciation for all those who came out and to the staff at the national park, and stated that the uptick in the numbers was likely due to the addition of Erie Shores Health Foundation coming on board as a new recipient of the races’ proceeds.
The mascot race kicked things off and Windsor Warlocks’ Blaze captured the title for a sixth consecutive year. Bloomer and Petunia from the Town of Essex were new additions this year, while some hijinx took place as Honkers from Jack Miner Sanctuary was netted and banded midrace.
A great bunch of kids took part in the second race of the day with first time competitor Marri MacDougall of LaSalle taking the title in the 1K dash.
The 5K race saw a considerable increase in the number of runners and walkers, with Brad Reiter taking the men’s title and Emily Hicks the women’s title.
The 10K race saw Jacob Wagner as the fastest male and repeat champion Liz Coxaj winning on the lady’s side.
The grueling 15K race was won by Joel King in the men’s category and by Anna Unger in the women’s category.
All runners and walkers received medals, a swag bag handed out by members of the Erie Shores Health Foundation, and a hotdog served up by the Shores of Erie Running Club.
Crime Stoppers, SWO Gleaners and Erie Shores Health Foundation were the real winners for the day and they will see a share of the approximately $15,000 that was raised at the 2026 Southern Footprints races.
a third place finish.
