Red Shirt Marathon grows five-fold

For Anneliese Shura, the second annual Red Shirt Marathon Walk of Honour had special meeting.

The event, organized by the Prince George branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, showed support for Canada's Armed Forces personnel and raised funds for Winch House. Winch House provides a place for Armed Forces personnel, veterans and first responders who need to go to Vancouver for medical treatment.

Shura's son, Sgt. Stacey Shura, is serving his second tour of duty in Afghanistan with Canada's special forces.

"He was with [Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry] for 20 years, but now he's special forces," Shura said. "He says it's his job. He does it so other people don't have to. But he doesn't say much."

Seeing approximately 100 people at the Red Shirt Marathon on Saturday at Fort George Park was "wonderful," she said.

"It's good to have the support."

Winch House is named after Don Winch - along-time advocate for veteran's rights with the Legion and New Chelsea Society. His daughters, Gale Deloume and Sandy Newcomb, live in Prince George and took part in the walk.

"He wasn't a veteran, but he was very active in the Legion. It was his second job," Deloume said. "He would be so proud to see all of this. We're very glad to be here."

Steve Goes, event organizer and local Legion vice-president, said the event has grown five times in participation from its first year.

"It didn't really hit me until I was at the start line and looked back. I was blown away," Goes said. "I'm very proud of all the volunteers here. This year we put a committee together and pulled this together. It's paid off."

In addition to the five-kilometre walk or run, the Red Shirt Marathon included live music a barbecue and other entertainment during the afternoon. All proceeds went to Winch House.

"As it grows, we're hoping to go national," Goes said. "There are over 40 families that have children serving. As soldiers come home... they may have injuries or post-traumatic stress disorder. If they need medical attention or help they can't get here in Prince George, they have to go to Vancouver."

Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond, who has been a strong supporter of the Red Shirt Marathon, challenged everyone at the event to come back next year with a family member or friend in tow.

"Every year we're going to add another person or another family," she said. "Today is about remembering and honoring our soldiers. It's not about the war, it's about the people serving in it and supporting their families."