From left to right: Chris Montgomery of the Canadian Diabetes Association, Founding Race Director Steve Matusch, and Race Co-Director Brent Walker
From left to right: Chris Montgomery of the Canadian Diabetes Association, Founding Race Director Steve Matusch, and Race Co-Director Brent Walker

By: Nick Liard

The Sudbury ROCKS Race, Run or Walk for Diabetes event has become a staple for Sudbury and a unique event to Northern Ontario.

The annual event is celebrating it’s 10th year and to date has raised almost $500,000 for diabetes research and education.

Race Co-Director Brent Walker says the goal is to welcome runners of all ages and fitness levels out, and this year to push the money raised above $500,000.

The money for education and research stays in the North to help fight a disease which Chris Montgomery of the Canadian Diabetes Association says has become an epidemic, which affects 1 in 4 Canadians and over 14,000 people in Sudbury.

Since 2006 the event has drawn over 15,000 participants and 2000 volunteers with all money raised staying in the North.

Founding Race Director Steve Matusch can’t believe how far the event has come.