Yearly race inspires fun and learning about Vermilion

The 5^th Annual Race of Vermilion was a blast for local families despite this year’s restrictions.

With things scaled back to comply with provincial regulations, it created a good opportunity for local families to join in the fun.

According to The Good Life Institute Coordinator, Candice Anderson, with less teams and social distancing in place, it was still a great opportunity to encourage people to learn more about businesses and attractions in Vermilion.

Teams of of 2 – 6 participants scrambled to get through a list of 90 tasks at home, online, or incorporating signs of local business.

Some of the tasks included having team members wear as many different types of sporting equipment as they could at one time, or play as many musical instruments as they could at once.

Others involved teams attempting to complete the famous “Dirty Dancing” lift with team members assisting by holding up the participant’s arms and legs, or creating photos of human pyramids performed in front of the Rotary Lookout and dressing their pets up as humans.

To show completion within the four hour time limit, photos and videos were submitted online.

“The day was a great success,” said Anderson.of

“People really enjoyed themselves and gave great feedback. It was a fun way to spend family time. A lot of people wished the Race went longer since they were enjoying it so much.”

She said that even though they had to change the format this year to allow for a safer atmosphere, including cancelling the reception, that everyone maintained a positive attitude.

Coming in 3^rd place in the 2020 Race of Vermilion was the Gourley Group (Darlene Gourley and children) with 1,915 points; and in 2^nd place was team Breef Broff (Cathy Bolton, Janet Rogers, Jo Tichkowsky, and Jessie Ramsey) with 2,445 points.

In 1^st place, winners of the 2020 Race of Vermilion were Dutch Blitz (Jacqueline Vandermeer, Rus Van Boom, Stephanie Van Boom, William Vandermeer, and Warren McAuley) with 2,810 points.

“I’m very thankful to the participants, volunteers, businesses, and the community for ensuring that The Good Life Institute can continue to bring fun and exciting events to Vermilion, even among these uncertain times,” said Anderson.

The 2021 Race of Vermilion will continue highlighting the community under it’s original format.