Close to 300 people laced up for the fourth annual Bill Nielsen Trail Run on Saturday morning in Lacombe.

They were treated to sunshine and 14 C weather.

"Today is the most beautiful day we've ever had. Our trails are probably in the best shape they've ever been in," said Larry Michielsen, president of the Bill Nielsen Trail Society.

The race started at Lacombe Composite High School.

More than 100 volunteers made the event possible, Michielsen said.

Runners could choose distances between two kilometres to 16 km.

Michielsen is confident that Lacombe's trails are the best in the country, attracting people from all over Alberta and beyond.

"We have people from Ontario running, BC running, Alberta running. I was working on the trails a week ago and met three people from Red Deer come out to Lacombe to see the trails, he said.

``I think the trails are a big draw for central Alberta and Lacombe. I think the city sees it too so it's worthwhile to have them."

The Bill Nielsen Trail Society was formed to preserve and continue the legacy of Bill Nielsen, who is credited as the city`s trail system.