Carbonear’s Harvest Run cements status as iconic fall ritual

By Olivia Bradbury/Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

It’s been 20 years since teacher Randy Ralph started the Carbonear Harvest Run and if anything, it’s bigger and better than ever, attracting runners from schools throughout the Avalon peninsula.

This year’s incarnation was held October 23 during the middle of Carbonear’s annual Harvest Festival.

Ralph started the cross-country track and field competition when he was teaching at St. Joseph’s school. When that school closed and Ralph transferred to Carbonear Collegiate, he took the running event with him and with the help of other teachers and volunteers kept the races going.

“It is one of the most inclusive sporting events in the school system in our province,” said Carbonear town councillor and Carbonear Collegiate teacher Danielle Doyle. “It is open to all students grades three to 12, and there is a Special Olympics category. Cross-country running requires no equipment, and students can train on their own or with coaches at school. We usually have between 1,000 and 1,400 runners each year from up to 35 schools throughout the Avalon.”

Doyle said the goal of the Harvest Run is to promote cross-country among students as it not only benefits them physically, but mentally, as well.

“The teachers and administration of Carbonear Collegiate remain committed to the run because they see so much value in it for students throughout our region,” she said.

Doyle said the organizers are thankful to the schools and families who participate in the event and lend to its success. The run has a great volunteer group every year, she added, that includes people from NL Health Services, Newfoundland Power, parents, alumni and community members.

This year’s Harvest Run saw over 1,100 registered student runners from 33 schools participate. During her address at the opening ceremony, Doyle noted that some of the parents of this year’s younger runners may have participated in the event themselves during their school days.

Doyle invited everyone, including the runners, their coaches and family members, as well as other visitors, to participate in a fun lap around the Carbonear Collegiate track as a symbolic race opener.

Carbonear Collegiate Principal Rodney Hodder was impressed by the turnout.

“I want to thank everyone who was involved with this,” said Hodder. “I want to thank Miss Doyle and the other teachers and volunteers who came to make this happen today, because without them it couldn’t happen. And I want to thank all the youth for participating.”