It's a great day for a run.

Especially if you're running with a purpose.

More than 100 runners and walkers gathered near the Visitor Information Centre earlier today for the 21st annual Law Day Charity Fun Run and Walk, the proceeds from which will be donated to the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Society Yukon (FASSY).

The course was shortened from last year's 6.26 kilometres along Millenium Trail to 5.5 km this year due to construction near the Roundhouse.

Race chief Norah Mooney said 101 pre-registered as of last night, but that people were signing up just before the run.

Last year's 160 runners and walkers represented the highest number of participants pre-registered in the event.

The theme for Law Day is Access to Justice, and last year's Fun Run was themed equality.

"And we are talking about equality rights again,” Mooney said, pointing it out on her race shirt.

Last year's event raised roughly $4,000 for the Yukon Association of Community

Living. This year Mooney projects the event will draw roughly the same number, adding that sponsors had given $3,000 before the races started.

"I think we're going to do very well this year for the charity,” she said.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum is an important issue here in the North, she explained.

Many Yukon lawyers have been actively engaged in national policy efforts to better address the needs of persons with FAS within the Canadian legal system.

"It's really about education, it's about trying to raise awareness. This is just the fun part of it; it's the first race of the year for the avid runners, and at the same time it helps a charity. It's a real worthwhile endeavour, and we really appreciate the support we get from our sponsors, our volunteers and the runners and walkers,” Mooney said.

The past two years runners and walkers have been lucky with the weather. Mooney recalled that last year the sun was out as it was today. Prior to then, participants weren't so lucky.

"This is a beautiful day. Two years ago it was snowing the morning of the run, so we're very happy with today's weather.”

Law Day is an annual celebration that began in 1983, the year after the Charter of Rights and Freedoms was signed.