The RM of Ritchot’s recreation department is keeping residents active and engaged, both physically and mentally, throughout the fall and winter seasons.

The fall kicked off with a fun run in St. Adolphe but will continue for months of programming, including a puzzle race in Île-des-Chênes, a festive centrepiece workshop in Ste. Agathe led the owner of Fleuriste XO, and the second annual Sip & Ski in Grande Pointe.

Run Run Ritchot

On October 27, runners from throughout the municipality and beyond took to St. Adolphe’s ring dike. The five-kilometre race was inaugurated by the RM’s new mascot, Ritchie the River Otter, making his first official public appearance, handing out high-fives and medals at the finish line. 

The first-place runner was 16-year-old Joel Thiessen, who finished with a time of 22:01.

The idea for the run was sparked by a conversation between Danielle Peters, Ritchot’s coordinator of community engagement, and a local resident who mused about how cool it would be to host a race around the dike.

“We’ve never done something like that here before,” says Peters. “I went out and measured it myself—and as it turns out, it’s a perfect 5k.”

Planning the race took about a year’s time and involved several volunteers from start to finish.

“I worked with that local resident at first and then collaborated with volunteers in town, including a local runner that helped me map it out. I also chatted with people in Kleefeld who did the Kleefeld Honey Run. They were all so helpful to the success of this race.”

The run had initially been scheduled for October 5 but had to be postponed due to inclement weather. Unfortunately, the makeup date coincided with one of Manitoba’s largest marathons, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service Marathon. That clash resulted in 35 registrants dropping out. The final participation landed at 83 individual runners.

“We ended up with about 12 local volunteers and had three local businesses step forward with assistance: St Adolphe Esso, Cornerstone Deli, and Tourond Creek,” says Peters. “Each company contributed monetary donations for snacks like granola bars, water, and coffee. Our public works department helped prepare the course and signage and even loaned trucks with amber lights. Two crossing guards were placed with the trucks at each intersection, controlling traffic on the 200 and 210 highways. Runners didn’t have to stop mid-run and could stay safe at every step.”

Next year’s run is already slated for October 4 and will take place in Île-des-Chênes. A four-year rotation will bring the race to different towns across the RM.

Puzzle Race and More

Registration is well underway now for another type of race, one that will instead test people’s patience and problem-solving skills. This adults-only puzzle race will be hosted at the TC Energy Centre at a cost of $100 per team of four, which includes admission to the timed event, one drink ticket, and a 500-piece puzzle that goes home with each group.

The doors will open at 6:15 p.m. to accommodate food orders from the Île-des-Chênes Canteen Crew and the Little Red Concession. The race then kicks off promptly at 7:00 p.m. Prizes for the top three teams will be awarded.

This is a follow-up from a similar puzzle race held back in March.

“At March’s puzzle race, the first-place team finished in 28 minutes. That same team has registered again under the name The Master Puzzlers,” says Peters. “With a big clock on the wall and music bumping, it’s a lot of fun! We even had people show up in costumes last time. One team made up T-shirts. Another showed up in bath robes. We have decided to incorporate a ‘best dressed’ prize this time.”

The winter will feature a range of other events, including a toddler group and yoga/fitness classes. Peters reminds residents that the best way to stay current with ongoing activities and programs is via social media, like Facebook and Instagram, as well as the RM’s website and Connect app.

“We try to do things low-cost to no-cost here at Ritchot Recreation,” says Peters. “We’re never looking to make a profit on anything. We’re just trying to give something to the community that they will enjoy and remember and have fun with!”