If you’ve never run one kilometre before, you will get your chance in June when the first ever Merritt Country Run will take place.

On June 13, participants will run in the 1 km, 5 km, and 10 km race starting at Voght Park in Merritt and will run a route through and around the town.

Each runner will be awarded with a medal and prizes will be awarded to the first three finishers in each of the three categories.

“This is the very beginning and I’m hoping it’s going to grow,” says Country Run coordinator Merritt Jorgensen.

“I want to help Merritt grow.”

Jorgensen says she sees the Run as a touristic opportunity in addition to it raising money for different local charitable groups.

“I’m hoping to bring in a lot of people from out of town.”

Jorsensen says she expects between 200 and 500 participants in the run.

“I’ve moved up here from Abbotsford and I’ve done many runs,” adds Jorgensen.

This year, funds raised from the run will be donated to the Canadian Tire Jumptart program, a charity designed to help with the costs of organized sports registration fees and equipment for children of families in financial need.

Funds raised for next year’s run, already scheduled for June 12, will be donated to another local charity.

“We want to be able to choose different charities every year,” says Jorgensen.

Those interested in participating or volunteering in the run can register online by visiting merrittcountryrun.com.

Early registrations are being accepted now until March 31. After that date, registration fees will increase.

There will be single and family rates.

Walkers, runners, and persons using wheelchairs and strollers are all welcome.