Organizers are calling out all runners and walkers to participate in an event that had a huge turn out last year, but this year they are adding even more of an incentive to register early.
When 170 active residents showed up at the starting line of the annual Silver City Days Fun Run, it caught organizers a little unprepared.
“We allow people to sign up on race day, but last year we had a major problem,” said run organizer Dan Horan.
The run proved almost too popular. Teck’s “Move for Health” corporate challenge was wildly successful and attracted over 100 runners and walkers from participating businesses.
Organizers scrambled to get names into the computer and assign numbers without delaying the start.
“Last year we had a whole bunch of people that showed up at the last minute,” said Horan. “So this year what we’ve done, we have an incentive, a $200 draw for Gerick’s Cycle for everyone who pre-registers.”
Diabolical indeed.
But Horan believes this year they will get even a better turnout for the new route.
Every year the 10-K run has crossed the Old Bridge but with the closure the committee was forced to create a new course, he said.
Runners have been training for the event for weeks, in particular a group of young women at the Columbia Youth Community Development Centre (YCDC) in Trail. Marathoner Amy Shields designed a training program for the 16- and 17-year old runners,
“It was a goal they all committed to for six weeks,” said YCDC coordinator River Jones. The girls followed through with their goal despite training in miserable weather and completed the whole six weeks of training, added Jones.
So far Aryelle Attridge-Weeks and Sidney Billingsley are signed up and ready to run the 5 K.
“They’ve done really well at it, and I’m hoping they come away with a sense of accomplishment and gratification.”
The run or walk is divided into age categories. In the 5K junior category: eight and under, 9-11, 12-15. For 10 K: 12 and under, 13-15 and in the Senior category, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60-plus.
Prizes will be awarded to the top place finishers in each group and random draws will award lucky participants at the awards presentation where refreshments are provided by local businesses.
The event is open to everyone from elite runners to the casual stroller. Last year’s winner, Rossland’s Dallas Cain, is a professional tri-athlete and finished the 10 K in a scorching 35 minutes and 40 seconds.
Early registration must be received by 7 p.m. Friday. Latecomers are still welcome but must register at Gyro Park on race day between 7:45 and 8:45 a.m.
The nominal entry fee is $5 for a walker and $10 to run.
To register early contact Gerick Cycle and Sports at 364-1661, or download entry form at www.trailtrackclub.ca or email dhoran@telus.net.