5k Lobster Crawl Raises $3,060 for IWK Foundation

BRIDGEWATER, N.S. — April 7, 2026 — Under sunny, crisp skies on Saturday, March 28, 118 participants took part in the 2nd Annual 5k Lobster Crawl, presented by Bridgewater Guardian Pharmacy, raising $3,060 for the IWK Foundation in support of 10-year-old Alfie Bourque’s 2026 fundraising goal.

With registrations matched by Steele Auto Group, the event contributed toward Alfie’s ambitious goal to raise $20,000 for the IWK Children’s Hospital Foundation this year.

Originally scheduled for February as part of the Nova Scotia Lobster Crawl, the event was rescheduled due to winter trail conditions. The March 5k route departed from the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre and followed the Centennial Trail, crossing the LaHave River and showcasing one of the area’s most scenic active transportation corridors.

While the event is an official, timed run, organizer and event presenter Pam Kennedy, owner of Bridgewater Guardian Pharmacy, emphasized that accessibility and fun were the real focus.

“Our goal with the 5k Lobster Crawl is to encourage people to get outside, be active in the winter, and spend time together while supporting a great cause,” said Kennedy. “It’s heartwarming to see such a large, all-ages crowd from across Nova Scotia tackling the 5k at their own pace — as runners, walkers, families with strollers, and even four-legged friends.”

A show of hands at the start line suggested that at least half of participants were first-time Lobster Crawl entrants and first-time visitors to the Centennial Trail.

The event was also a family affair for Alfie, who ran alongside his 14-year-old cousin Mateo Bourque, who crossed the finish line first overall with a time of 18:36. Alfie placed an impressive 29th overall, finishing well ahead of the enthusiastic event mascot, Lucy the Lob’STAR.

“It was an absolutely amazing experience to push myself to run the race, and I’m so happy that we raised $3,060 for the IWK,” said Alfie. Inspired by the event, he plans to continue training for an upcoming August run, when he will compete in the 3k Kids Spartan Race in Ottawa, alongside his mother, Miranda Wimbush, who will be running the 10k.

By the numbers, event organizers reported 150 registered participants, with 118 taking part on race day. Ages ranged from 1 to 83 years, including 23 participants aged 60 and over, and an impressive 21 youth aged 19 and under.

Participants received a custom lobster-shaped finisher medal and post-race refreshments provided by Fresh Cuts Market, with results timed by Route 541. The celebration continued with a post-run social at King Street Beer.

Kennedy credited the event’s success to strong community partnerships, including Steele Auto Group South Shore, Fresh Cuts Market, Bridgewater Triathlon, Route 541, King Street Beer, the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre, with support from Run Nova Scotia and volunteer medical services from St. John Ambulance, in partnership with the Town of Bridgewater.

Planning is already underway for the 2027 5k Lobster Crawl. Those interested in supporting Alfie’s fundraising goal can visit his official IWK fundraising page here.

Media Contacts:
Pam Kennedy Event Presenter,
Bridgewater Guardian Pharmacy
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Donna Hatt Economic Development Officer
Town of Bridgewater
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