About 50 people ran through Red Deer's trail system in support of a program that provides free dental treatment and prevention services for local children and youths.

The first-ever 5K Smile Run for the Dental Outreach of Red Deer Program was held on the morning of Saturday, Aug. 23. The run began in the city's Capstone neighbourhood, over the Taylor Bridge to Bower Ponds, then through the trails before returning to the original starting point.

"I'm aspiring to be a dentist and I was looking for ways to give back to my community," said Ben Higham, race director.

"I'm also a runner for the University of Alberta track team. Dentistry and running just kind of naturally merged together — it made sense to put together a run for charity."

Higham said he'd like to see the Smile Run become an

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