Just don't bother asking how successful the event run by the Archeological Conservatory of Ontario was.

Ken Mackenzie, president of the St. Catharines chapter of the ACO, said Sunday's run, along with last year's event, have been the most significant fundraisers for the organization's heritage preservation activities.

As a non-profit charity, the ACO is able to write tax receipts for other groups involved in charity. Until now, all activities have been done on behalf of PROUD (Port Realizing Our Unique Distinction) for its involvement in the high-profile and highly contentious Ontario Municipal Board appeal of an approval for a major tower development in Port Dalhousie's heritage designated commercial core.

Mackenzie said the controversial nature of the OMB hearing, which restarted last week after a summer-long recess, requires the group members to keep their cards held closely to their chests.

"I'm astounded at how much has been raised," he said of the event, which brought out more than 130 participants.

However, he said, "we would like to keep individual amounts and total amounts kept confidential and discreet in the meantime."

The event had the participants meeting starting at 9 a.m. at Lakeside Park, from where they were led by a piper to the starting gate on Dalhousie Avenue.

Following the procession out of the Lakeside Park parking lot, Sheila Frank, who has lived in Port for the past 52 years and also participated in the run last year, said she's doing it because she wants to see Port Dalhousie and its beach maintained as it is, a family-friendly place for locals to enjoy the lake front.

"People have come with their children and can enjoy the beach and merry-go-round without having to have a lot of money," she said. "It's like a breath of fresh air and we don't want it destroyed."

As with last year, there were people dressed in period costume for the event and the run was officially started not with a pistol but the firing of a musket, which loudly echoed down the tree-lined street.

Also like last year, runners and walkers were greeted by Mayor Brian McMullan, who noted the event is timed well this year, coming just days after the uncovering of the first lock of the first Welland Canal during an archeological dig.