More than 120 people came out to run, walk, or stroll at the Athletes In Kind (AIK) New Year's day Generations Run in Pitt Meadows.

Some chose a two-kilometre route, others chose five-or 10-kilometre routes along the dikes in south Pitt Meadows in the fourth annual event.

AIK is a non-profit organization that supports B.C. Childhood Cancer Parents Association at BC Children's Hospital. This year's run raised $775 for the cause.

Organizers of the annual run are Lorie and Eric Muller, the founders of AIK. Since it was founded in 2005, the non-profit has raised $150,000 for families struggling because their children have cancer. The money raised comes from various events including an annual head-shave. The money is then channeled to families in need through the BC Childhood Cancer Parents Association.

The event is a "fun run," according to Lorie, so there are no race numbers or timing.

"We try hard to make this a family fun run so that people are not intimidated on the race type atmosphere and timing," said Lorie. "However, we have increased our numbers by double since 2010, and our donations by three times since 2010."

The fact that there was no rain, made it a great day for a run or walk, she said, and each individual could choose whether to go two, five, or 10 kilometres.

"Some were on their New Year's resolution, some were by habit, some working off the hangover but all were 'purposeful running' to help families that struggle financially because of childhood cancer," Lorie added.

The run attracted participants of all ages, with the youngest recorded at 18 months and the oldest at 86 years.

mrantanen@mrtimes.com