Organizers of Let's Run - Steinbach have announced major changes for this year's event.

Coordinator Greg Penner says they have decided not to hold a 5km or 10km event this year, but rather to put all their efforts into the kids' races. That means there will be a 2km Kids Run for those aged Kindergarten to grade four as well as a Mini Run for kids between the ages of three and Pre-K.

(Photo credit: Let's Run - Steinbach)Let's Run - Steinbach is celebrating its 11th year in 2018. What started as Run For Mom has become an annual tradition. Penner explains most of their original committee is still helping out today and it is time for a little break.

"We realize that it's disappointing but we just, of course, ask that you respect that and of course that this is by volunteers," he says.

Race day this year is Saturday, May 12th at the Steinbach Soccer Park. Penner says because of the changes, they might only need a maximum of 20 volunteers on race day.

"By doing the 2km kids run, it won't take nearly as much time for our team, so the commitment is much less," says Penner. "We, of course, have been volunteer driven from day one, so this just lets us have a year off."

Penner says it is thrilling to see the kids portion of this event grow by leaps and bounds in recent years.

"We love seeing kids get active, it really fits our mission of why we put on the event," he says. "We're very excited about it."

According to Penner, there were 200 kids that participated in the K-4 race last year. He notes schools are getting behind this, including teachers and principals because they share the same vision as the Let's Run committee.

"An event that can be for everybody, you don't have to be fast, you can be slow and participate," says Penner.

Penner will be visiting elementary schools in Steinbach this week, handing out training programs for kids.