Local businesses rally behind Kootenay Lake as “Great Kokanee Escape” enters final week

With less than a week to go, momentum is building for the inaugural Great Kokanee Escape in Nelson.

The Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society (FoKLSS) says local support is growing quickly, with The Martin Group stepping in as the event’s presenting sponsor and Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism joining as a tributary sponsor.

Even with that backing, organizers say there’s still time — and need — for more community involvement ahead of the April 11 event at Lakeside Park.

“We’ve seen incredible support from local leaders,” said Melanie Mobbs, event co-ordinator. “Now we’re calling on the wider community to get involved — whether that’s walking, donating or collecting pledges.”

Not your typical fun run

The Great Kokanee Escape isn’t a standard race. Participants can choose a two-, four- or six-kilometre route, but the event is designed as an interactive experience based on the life cycle of Kokanee salmon.

Along the way, participants will face themed challenges, including “predators” and obstacles that simulate low lake levels — an issue that can strand spawning fish along the shoreline.

The goal is to raise money for local stewardship programs focused on beach cleanups, species monitoring and ecosystem restoration.

How to take part

Organizers are encouraging a final wave of participation in the days leading up to the event:

• Sign up: Registration is free, and participants can create personal pledge pages.
• Sponsor: Local businesses can still join as event sponsors and support FoKLSS programs throughout 2026.
• Donate: Supporters who can’t attend can contribute online by “sponsoring a salmon.”

Event details

• Date: Saturday, April 11
• Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Location: Lakeside Park, Nelson
• Register or donate:
  https://www.friendsofkootenaylake.ca/event/the-great-kokanee-escape/

As the countdown continues, organizers say the event is about more than just a day at the park — it’s a way to connect the community with the challenges facing Kootenay Lake and the species that depend on it.