Miranda BrumwellLoops for the Troops began in 2008 in a collaboration between the Calgary RunningRoom and the family of the late Cpl Nathan Hornburg. Cpl Hornburg was an avid runner and his family wanted a way to celebrate his life and honour his memory.
“I didn’t know Nathan personally, but we came to know his family and took part in the inaugural Calgary Loops for the Troops in 2008, in memory of Nathan and of my late husband Cpl Bryce Keller,” said Sarah Keller, Edmonton Loops for the Troops co-director.
When the late Michael Hornburg, Cpl Hornburg’s father, created the race, he had dreamed of seeing Loops for the Troops expand into other cities.
Sadly, Michael Hornburg passed away in March 2018, before he could see that happen. Keller said her mother volunteered to help with the race if it ever went into Edmonton.
“Edmonton Loops for the Troops inaugural race was run in 2009 honouring all of our serving and Fallen, with myself and my mom as the co-directors of the race, in concert with the team at the MFRC and the Edmonton Running Room,” Keller added.
Loops for the Troops was a huge success in Edmonton and the MFRC wanted to make it an annual event. On June 3, 2018, Loops for the Troops will celebrate 10 years since its inception.
Every year, they aim to raise around $15,000. In the last 10 years, Edmonton Loops for the Troops alone has been able to raise over $120,000 through event sponsors, participants, and donations. Keller added, Servus Credit Union has been their lead sponsor for the last two years, providing both participants and volunteers.
Loops for the Troops normally brings in around 400 participants, this year they’re hoping for 500.
“Proceeds from our race go directly to the Edmonton MFRC to support and develop services and programming. They serve a diverse community of military families and are constantly evolving to meet the needs of serving members and their families,” said Keller. “Edmonton Loops for the Troops has helped to provide a measure of that funding to the Edmonton MFRC over the past decade and it truly is a fun, family event which directly benefits our military community.”
Keller believes the MFRCs serve military families, so military service men and women can better serve Canada.
Registration for the Edmonton Loops for the Troops is still open, and you can register with a team or as a standalone racer.
For more information about the race, donations or ways you can help, click here.
