It may officially be fall but that doesn’t mean the Calgary community isn’t still out and about enjoying the hot summer-like weather.

The 6th annual Rock the House Run saw more than 1,100 participants come out in support of Calgary and Southern Alberta Ronald McDonald House.

Whether solo or grouped into teams, the contestants, donning their matching T-shirts, gathered at Market Mall to take part in one of three events: a family-friendly, 1 kilometre walk; a 5 kilometre walk/run or, for those who wanted a more perspiring challenge, a 10 kilometre run.

Executive Director Larry Mathieson said he expected this year’s event-the first time it’s been held in September-would collect $100,000 in pledges and that he was particularly anxious to compete against the red-haired clown himself.

He challenged the meat-loving mascot to the 5 kilometre duel.

When asked if it was THE Ronald McDonald “as seen on TV,” Mathieson replied:

 ”It’s like Santa! It’s Ronald! He comes here especially for the event. He does the 5 k every year for us-it’s impressive to see that alone.”

Of the various teams that organized into groups for the event, Mathieson says from a creative perspective he’s partial to “the Dirt Bags.”

Comprised of  sponsors from Calgary-based design/build company Dirtt Environmental Solutions (Doing It Right This Time), he said each year the organization raises impressive funds for the cause.