WILNO – There was a bite in the air, but the kids did not seem to care.
On October 2, the annual Partridge Run went on despite the chillier temperatures at the church grounds and former St. Mary’s Catholic School.
Students from nearby elementary schools, from Barry’s Bay to Eganville, participated in the annual event, which pits students in various cross-country races.
The school, which is still owned by the Renfrew County Catholic School Board, remained opened to students. Although the walls were stripped down and the schoolrooms remained closed, the school was a hub of activity as students used it as a place to warm up.
Former St. Mary’s Principal Ann Lepine helped coordinate this year’s run. She had the help of about five or six retired teachers, along with volunteers with the Wilno rink, which sold food to benefit the rink.
“It’s nice to see everyone back,” Lepine told the Gazette. “It’s a little lonely knowing that it’s going to probably be the last one like this. I am hoping it continues in some form, though.”
While the school board owns the property, she suspects that it will be sold in the near future. Next year’s Partridge Run lies in the hands of MESSAA, a group that organizes the larger sporting events across the area. It is comprised of at least one representative from each elementary school.
Get your October 7, 2015 edition of The Valley Gazette to read the full story.