Dare 2B Challenged event celebrates its fifth year

Chantelle Botscheller and her daughters Lauren (left) and MacKenzie ran the 5K May 24.

There was a lot to celebrate at the Holiday Beach Conservation Area last Sunday morning as Dare 2B Challenged held its fifth successful women and girls’ 10k, 5k and 2k runs and walks.

The milestone was also an opportunity to notice that staying active has no age limitations.

Amherstburg’s Chantelle Botscheller brought her seven-year-old twin daughters MacKenzie and Lauren to the May 24 event and they were more than just spectators as they all ran the 5K route.

“We said it would be fun for the girls and they wanted to do it. It keeps them motivated. They dance all the time and this is a nice change of pace,” said Botscheller.

The Dare 2B Challenged started back in 2020 when a group of women, including organizer Barb Pollard decided to host what began as a triathlon. Since then, it has blossomed into a movement that encourages women  and girls to be participants in a safe and inclusive environment.

Walkers and runners leave from the starting line at the Dare 2B Challenged race May 24 at Holiday Beach Conservation Area.

For 62-year-old Christine Goulet, it meant pushing her own personal boundaries. She has been running for 42 years.

“I run for the love of it. I have scoliosis and my doctor says I have to stay active. My best time in the 5K is 35 minutes and I am hoping to break it today,” said Goulet just before the starting horn went off at 9 a.m.

And while she did not quite set a new personal best, Goulet and the 230 other walkers and runners were all smiles as they crossed the finish line.

Results provided immediately on site by Walkers and Runners Around the County of Essex (WRACE) had Kingsville’s Jessica Laba-Kaczmarek winning her second straight Dare 2B Challenged 10K at 42:27.Winning the 5k was Renee Rutledge at 23:34.

Windsor’s Alisha Reid, a navy veteran, champion body builder and author gave the participants an inspirational pep-talk prior to them hitting the trails at Holiday Beach.

“It’s about courage and showing up. Confidence is earned,” said Reid.

Reid emphasized Dare 2B Challenged three C formula – Calm, Courage, Confidence.

“I have learned the strongest ones are the ones holding trophies,” she commented.

That was the case for Harrow’s Peggy Golden who is a repeat runner and tackled the course with confidence.

“I’m running the 5K. I’ve been in it every year and like that it supports women. A lot of women feel intimidated if men are running. It’s a good way to get girls involved in sports,” said Golden.

Nine-year-old Charlotte Didone, also of Harrow ran her first Dare 2B Challenged with her grandmother Debbie Didone.

“It’s her (Charlotte’s) first race. She is my only granddaughter. I’ve always been in it,” said Debbie.

Proceeds for Sunday’s event, which included lots of prizes, giveaways and a 90-minute free outdoor fitness class hosted by Movati, went to the Harrow Food Bank and Girls Organizing and Learning Sport (GOALS).

Dare 2B Challenged event celebrates its fifth year

By Fred Groves