ASSINIBOIA - Wanting to create something good out of a family’s tragedy, Les and Melanie Wilcock began the Hayley and Cayden Mother’s Day Memorial Run in 2014. The Wilcocks’ daughter and grandson lost their lives in 2012.
Mom Melanie said, “At the time of the murders and onward, the people of Assiniboia and surrounding communities supported us and helped us through our loss, so this is a way to say thank you and give back. It also gives an awareness to interpersonal violence.”
The run has been going since 2014 when some local runners approached the Wilcock family about having a marathon in memory of Hayley and Cayden.
The 2024 event takes place on May 12, starting at the Prince of Wales Centre and there are three race lengths runners could register for that include 3k, 5k and 10k events.
Participants can run or walk the distance, making it as relaxed or intense as they wish.
The Wilcocks said, “We choose a different charity each year. They have been a combination of local and provincial causes. We choose charities that would have been close to Hayley’s heart. The funds this year are going to the Golden South Child care Centre in Assiniboia.”
To quote one of Hayley’s friends, “One of my favourite events that I wish didn’t have to exist.”
The Wilcocks said they are always amazed at the generosity of the people, groups and businesses that contribute to this event.
There were 193 participants in 2023. Approximately 60 people have registered so far for the 2024 event. While the deadline for a guaranteed event shirt was April 26, the event accepts registrations right up until the morning of the run, May 12.
“We have a great committee. Presently it includes Allison Lewis, Joanne Romanow, Helene Ray, Kaitlin Oancia as well as the two of us. This run would not be possible without these fantastic people,” said the Wilcocks.
The marathon fundraiser includes participants from infants to over 90 as well as many families participating together, which Melanie said is wonderful to see.
“Since 2014, we have donated approximately $70,000. The charities that benefitted are The Hayley and Cayden Memorial Scholarship, Transition House, The Southland Co-op Centre, Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, Telemiracle, STARS Air Ambulance, Saskatchewan Cancer Society, and Ronald McDonald House.”
The Hayley and Cayden Mother’s Day Memorial Run did not take place in 2020, 2021 or 2022 due to COVID
