Break Free 5/10k Run & Walk 2026

The Break Free 5/10k Run & Walk 2026 takes place on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 8:00 AM MDT at Cardiff Park (25023 Township Rd 554, Sturgeon County, Alberta, Canada). Hosted by The Jessica Martel Memorial Foundation, this family-friendly community event offers a 5k run/walk and a 10k run, with funds supporting domestic violence survivors through emergency shelter, crisis lines, childcare programs, and community education.

Event Logistics & Participant Information:

• Registration Opens: 8:00 AM on race day. Online registration closes June 11 at 9:00 AM. Late registrations not guaranteed race shirt or preferred size. Cash only for late registration.
• Location: Cardiff Park, Sturgeon County, Alberta (near Morinville and St. Albert). Free parking on a first-come, first-served basis. Volunteer parking assistants onsite.
• Itinerary: Registration 8:00 AM. Welcoming program. Warm-up at 8:45 AM (Morinville Leisure Center). 10k start 9:00 AM. 5k Student start 9:15 AM. 5k Adult start 9:20 AM. Closing program & awards 10:30 AM.
• Race Village: Family-friendly activities, color blast station, DJ, warm-up, and more.
• Color Blast Station: Located in Race Village (not on course) to respect those who prefer not to have color powder tossed at them (dogs, babies, etc.).
• Water Spray: Expect a little spray of water along the course from race partners.
• Dog Friendly: Leashed, conditioned, socialized dogs welcome. Basic dog etiquette required (leash, pet food/water, doggie bags). Plan for loud noises, children, and water sprays.
• Course Details: 5k = one loop. 10k = two loops. Same start/finish line for all. Pink directional arrows for starting loop, purple for return. 10k runners make a turn-around at pylons before second loop.
• Race Kit: Includes admission, white race shirt, race bib, participant ribbon, and winning medals. Picked up on race day only at check-in (no pre-event delivery). Extra volunteers for quick check-in.
• Weather: Rain or shine. Minor delays possible. In extreme weather (lightning, extreme wind), participants may be asked to seek shelter. Safety is top priority. Rain dances welcome.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Roles include pre-event prep, setup, registration, start/finish line, race village, wayfinders, parking assistants, cleanup. Volunteer shirt, snacks, beverages provided. Contact [email protected].
• Merchandise: JMMF swag available on race day. Every purchase supports clients.
• Contact: Stacy Dieckman, Event Specialist at 780-939-2870 ext. 109.
• Sponsors: Tim Hortons (Morinville & St. Albert), SMP LLP, Bruce & Cindy McPherson, Pembina Pipelines, QWFS, Fortis Alberta, Town of Morinville, St. Albert Centre, Telsco Security Systems, DOW, Off the Mat, Tweak Medi Spa, ATB Financial Morinville, Blaire Borle-Mortgage Architects, Century 21-Ashley Moore, Dawson Wallace Construction Ltd., Sturgeon County, Cardiff Golf & Country Club, and others.

Swag, Awards & Community Impact:

• Charity Mission: Breaking the cycle of domestic violence through advocacy, awareness, community engagement, education, and safe housing. Vision: a future free of domestic violence for all individuals.
• Fundraising Goal: CA$10,000. Current raised: CA$283.12 (12 participants). Top fundraiser: Candice Ryan (CA$162.03).
• Prizes: Awarded for top fundraisers (individual and teams — minimum 4 people per team to qualify). Top fundraising team prizing.
• Race After Party: Awards, beats from DJ SEAGLASS & Thomas Culture. Complimentary smoothies (Team Moore Century 21 Masters), freezies and DQ Dilly Bars (ATB Financial Morinville).
• Race Kit Pickup: On race day only. Shirts and sizing limited — register early.
• Jessie's House: 35-bed all-gender emergency shelter for individuals and families fleeing domestic violence. Home of the 24-hour crisis line and Child Care Program.
• Eileen's Place: Additional safe housing supported by funds raised.
• Community Need: Funds help provide essential programming at Jessie's House and Eileen's Place where government funding falls short. "We need the help from the community more than ever!"
• Training: Free fitness classes and training available at Morinville Leisure Centre.

The Break Free 5/10k Run & Walk on June 13, 2026, in Sturgeon County, Alberta, brings the community to Cardiff Park for a colorful, dog-friendly, family race day — supporting domestic violence survivors through emergency shelter, crisis care, and safe housing.