H I S T O R Y

There were 11 entries but only nine runners in the first race in 1958. Seven completed the 9 1/2 mile course, finishing at the Watford Post Office on Watford’s Main Street. Roy Caley was race manager and Harold Newell was the official starter that year. In order of finish, runners were Hylke VanderWal, Bruce Faulds, Bill Phillips, Dick VanderWal, Don Duncan, Ray Acton and Lawrence Deschamps. Executive of that first race included President Lorne Smith, Vice-President Orville Edwards, Secretary Treasurer and Official Starter Harold Newell and Race and Publicity Manager Roy Caley.

The Optimist Clubs became involved in sponsorship about a dozen years ago. Roy Caley chaired the committee for a number of years before Greg Wallis and Mark Faust took it over. Since then, there have been several dedicated chairs and committee members.