Registration for Grapes of Wrath survival race now open

Hillier Creek Estates is to be the scene of the challenge

Kemp Stewart, Wendy Warner, Anna Marie Ferguson, and Amy Doyle. Brad Warner photo

UPDATE –  October 15 – Competitors are invited to secure their spots at the starting line for the inaugural Grapes of Wrath Stomp and Romp Survival Race at Hillier Creek Estates Winery Sept. 13, 2014.

Registration is now open at the website, www.cancer.ca/GrapesofWrathPEC

The race, open to individuals or teams, will feature a fundraising component asking participants to solicit pledges online from their friends and family to benefit patients receiving cancer care and services.

An early bird registration fee has been set at $75 per participant, valid until May 31, 2014. After that date, registration will increase to $100 per participant. Competitors must be 18 years or older on race day to be eligible to run. Racers will receive a dry-fit t-shirt and upon completion of the race, dog tags.

“This race will provide a perfect blend of charity and camaraderie as challengers come together as teams or individuals to participate in this fun and inspiring event while raising money for much needed medical equipment for patients using our hospitals and for patients receiving cancer treatment,” said Amy Doyle, executive director of the Hastings-Prince Edward County and Brighton Cancer Society Community Office. “We’ve had lots of calls from as far as Ottawa, groups of friends looking to register their team of four and then rent a B&B in the County to make it a fabulous weekend get-away!”

County to host first Grapes of Wrath stomp and romp survival race

SEPT. 17 – A harrowing five kilometres of daunting obstacles flooded with slippery mud and a crippling creek all set against a backdrop of glowing grapes awaits spirited, strong-willed contenders with unwavering intensity and endurance ready to embark upon this region’s first extreme survival race.

The Canadian Cancer Society – Hastings-Prince Edward County and Brighton Community Office, in a newly formed partnership with the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF) and the Trenton Memorial Hospital Foundation (TMHF) will present the inaugural Grapes of Wrath Stomp and Romp Survival Race. The charity obstacle race will raise funds for patients receiving cancer care and services from the three organizations.

The gruelling course, to be designed with assistance from Gordon Peckham, commanding officer of CFB Trenton’s Health Care Centre and a Director of the TMH Foundation Board, will be hosted by Hillier Creek Estates in Prince Edward County on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014. This race is to be designed to challenge resilience, strength, stamina and will test ability to have fun in the face of hardship. Participants may choose to race solo or as part of a team.

Hillier Creek Estates sets the perfect scene. Racers will trudge over, under and through grapevines, splash through the winery’s namesake creek while building the courage to overcome uncompromising mud stricken obstacles whilst raising money for health care in our communities.

The winery’s land had been originally granted to Dr. James Latham, a British army surgeon serving in the United States during the War of 1812. He is noted as being the first innoculator of the smallpox vaccine. Hillier Creek Estates, in its current state, is a farm winery comprised of 50 acres; 24 of which are planted with Gamay, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Vidal grapes.

“This is a unique partnership opportunity for the TMH Foundation, PECMH Foundation and Hastings Prince Edward & Brighton Cancer Society.  Fundraising events, which involve our community, are our livelihood and their support is paramount to our success and I must say we are never disappointed,” said Anna Marie Ferguson, executive director PECMH Foundation. “There is much planning to do during the months ahead but we are up to the challenge as our Grapes of Wrath participants will need to be up to the challenge of our obstacle course.”

“Fundraising can be a difficult task when there are an abundance of charities looking for support and donations from the public,” said Amy Doyle, Canadian Cancer Society. “Through this partnership we hope to bring our communities something different, that’s unique to this area, electrifying and at the same time tap into a whole new genre of donors and sponsors.”

Mark the date on your calendars – Saturday, September 13, 2014 and watch for registration and sponsorship information soon to come.

The PECMH and TMH Foundations support their respective hospitals by raising funds and awareness of the need to assist in the provision of priority medical equipment and services for all patients and residents of our communities. It is through the generosity of donors that our doctors, nurses and technologists can provide quality health care to the patients at both hospitals.

Grapes of Wrath on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrapesofWrathCountyRace

In the meantime, The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation presents John McDermott featuring Josh Colby and Sidecar Romantic Saturday, October 5, 2013 at Picton United Church  at 7 p.m. Tickets $40  inclusive

Visit the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation website