The June race, now in its 29th year and set for Tuesday, June 30, 2009, will be continuing its legacy and history in the town by officially partnering with the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital Foundation to raise funds for the Grimsby hospital.

The partnership between hospital and race is into its fifth year.

"We're trying to grow this as a partnership that goes on for a long time," said race director Jerry Friesen.

The five-kilometre and 10-kilometre races snake their way through Grimsby every year as a part of the town's Canada Day week festivities.

Registration for the Peachbud will be restricted to the online world this year. "We're trying to get everybody to register online," said Friesen.

After applying, every runner will be hit with a pledge form to raise funds for the hospital.

"The community can also support any other runner, even if it's just $5," he explained.

Last year, Charity Challenge forms had to be downloaded from the Foundation's website. This past summer, the Foundation's Dream Team raised over $5,000 for Project X-ray.

Registration opens November 15 at www.instride.ca. The charitable aspect will give all residents a chance to get involved in the community around them.

"This will tie the race to the community even more," said Friesen. "If you're going to use something to tie the event to the community, the hospital is it."

"Everybody has a vested interest in the hospital," said Foundation president Andrew Smith. "We want the Peachbud to be one of the Foundation's premiere events."

Friesen will provide the fundraising vehicle, but admits he needs someone else willing to drive it, so he can focus solely on the race itself.

Ellens said the Foundation is aiming to create a committee to challenge different corporations and schools to participate and sponsor the Foundation.

"We are very fortunate to have Jerry on board," said Foundation executive director Pamela Ellens. "This partnership will assist people in giving back to the community." Anyone interested in being involved, can call 905-945-WLMH.

Friesen approached WLMH to kick-start the partnership some years ago. He credited the memorable candle vigil that saved the hospital a decade ago as the night it all clicked in his mind.

"The night Grimsby came together with the candles... that did it for me," he said. "That was incredible. Emotional. I think everybody in Grimsby remembers that night."

"That was the night that saved the hospital," Smith said.

With 925 runners sweating it out this past summer, Friesen said he is hoping to crack 1,000 this go-round.

"Events can do so much for the town and its merchants," said Friesen. "It's time to pick the Peachbud up."