Happening every year for almost two decades, the BDO Run for Youth happened this weekend (June 9) at Michener Park.

The event featured a chance for youth to win money towards their school groups, a new feature this year.

The funds from this event were raised to support local organizations like Wolf Creek Boys & Girls Club and Central Alberta Youth Unlimited, both groups that deal primarily with youth.

Because of the low registration cost for those 18 and under, the run also serves as an opportunity for the kids to be active according to Executive Director at Youth Unlimited, Jake Schellenberg.

"The extra piece this year is a $10 youth registration, and youth can actually win money towards their school's running club...so were trying to get kids active, and were trying to raise money for youth work."

Schellenburg also says the half marathon, a course from Lacombe to Blackfalds, has a defending champion who currently holds the half-marathon record, completing the course in roughly one hour and 20 minutes every year, which he describes as, "Lightning Fast!"

Contestants in the half marathon began their run at 8am, while the 10k, 5k, and 3k "fun run" started at 9am.