Community runs with troops at annual event

 

By: Dan Gray
Co-Managing Editor
The Essex and Kent Scottish Regiment held their fourth annual Trot with the Troops event at the Major FA Tilston Armoury and Police Training Centre in Windsor.

Members of the community were given the opportunity to raise money and run with soldiers during their annual battle fitness test on Sept. 22. The battle fitness test requires the soldiers to complete an approximately 13 kilometer run with 60 pounds in two hours and 20 minutes. The course for non-soldiers varied from five to 10 kilometers for adults and 1 km for kids. During the run, runners travelled past the Vietnam Memorial, Crimean War cannon and down to the Sandwich Street World War 1 memorial.

The fundraiser was organized by the regiment’s Delta Company, according to their operational commander Cy McGrath. McGrath said some of the money raised has found its way to the Military Family Resource Centre in the past. Through education, support and positive action, the MFRC works to enrich the lives of families and members of the Canadian Armed Forces according to their website. This year, 100 per cent of the funds raised have been earmarked for the regiment.

“All the money goes to the military, it goes back to the EnK (Essex and Kent Scottish Regiment ) it’s administered through the Essex and Kent Scottish Association,” said McGrath. “It is used for whatever is needed at the time, so we identify a need and it is earmarked for that need.”

“The Association is established to foster, maintain and promote the tradition and well-being of the regiment” said the webpage associated with the organization. The site also says the association strives to promote community knowledge of the regiment and other services within the regimental family.

Jeff Gravel is a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces. He is an active runner and member of the local veteran’s community. He finished first in the men’s 5 km run.

“It is important to me to support the troops when they complete activities like this,” said Gravel.

The event had many corporate sponsors. The sponsors and volunteers provided food, water, bouncy castles and even a relic cannon to start the race. After the race the community was welcomed inside the armouries to have a meet-and-greet with members of the regiment, as well as look at the archives and enjoy some music.

The event is planned to run again next year. If anyone is interested in running in or helping with the event or joining Delta Company they can get more information on their website, www.deltacoy.com .