Runners, walkers and volunteers came together at Selkirk Park this past weekend for the inaugural Knox Your Socks Off! race and walk event, held as part of Knox Presbyterian Church’s 150th anniversary celebrations.
Jordan Simko crosses the finish line to claim first place in the men’s five-kilometre division
What began as a suggestion from Rev. Naggie Sterling quickly grew into a full-scale community event, offering participants the choice of a five-kilometre race or a two-kilometre walk. The event was supported by a range of local partners, businesses and volunteers who came together to celebrate the church’s milestone 150th anniversary.
“We wanted to be inclusive,” said event organizer and Knox Presbyterian congregation member Candyce Aisman. “It’s about getting everyone out and getting everyone together.”
From the start line, the race drew a healthy turnout, with organizers noting around 100 participants took part.
Kathy Wiens, executive director of the Manitoba Runners’ Association, which endorsed the event, said the response and participation from the public exceeded expectations.
“(Knox Presbyterian) approached us about wanting to put on a race and walk in Selkirk,” Wiens said. “I was hoping that they would get 50 to 80 (participants). For a brand-new event, they’ve done very, very well.”
Wiens said she often visits and volunteers at race events across Manitoba to offer support and ensure things run smoothly. Based on her observations, she believes the race and walk has strong potential to become an annual tradition.
She also noted the race could potentially be added to the Interlake Run Series — a circuit of four races held yearly across the Interlake region. Its strong debut, she suggested, could position it well for inclusion in future editions of the series.
Beyond the race itself, the event received strong support from local businesses and volunteers. Iron Image and Tom Pachal Physiotherapy played key roles as sponsors, helping fund the event.
Owner Tom Pachal said his involvement with the event was rooted in the spirit of community and giving back.
“It’s nice to give back to the community and support something fun that gets people active and out seeing friendly faces,” he said. “It’s about community and camaraderie.”
Pachal’s team also led the pre-race and pre-walk warmup and provided on-site physiotherapy and sports support for participants following both events.
For many participants, the event was a welcome way to spend a Saturday morning, while for some it carried a deeper emotional meaning.
Awards for the top three finishers in both the men’s and women’s five-kilometre categories were dedicated to the memory of individuals connected to Knox Presbyterian, including church congregants and family members who had passed away. First place honoured 17-year-old Ethan Fiddler.
Jordan Simko, who won the men’s five-kilometre race with a time of 20 minutes and 27 seconds, said the victory held special meaning for him as Fiddler’s cousin.
“It felt good because I wanted to run for my cousin,” he said.
Second place was dedicated to Ron Corrigal, while third place honoured Eric Davidson.
The second- and third-place finishers in the men’s five-kilometre division were Dan Kell and Rick Shone, respectively. Kaitlyn Nault claimed first place in the women’s five-kilometre division, with Rachel Winzoski finishing second and Janessa May placing third.
As the final runners and walkers crossed the finish line, a clear sentiment could be felt throughout: this was more than just a race.
It was a celebration of community, a milestone anniversary and a tribute to lives remembered — all moving forward together on the same course.
