The 24th annual Loon Lake Race takes place this Sunday, September 29, and organizers hope runners, walkers and bicyclists of all ages will come out to enjoy a beautiful day for a good cause.
“The weather is forecast to be sunny and warm on Sunday,” said Jackie Milsom, one of the race organizers. “Walkers and bicyclists will do the full 13-kilometre loop starting at 10 am, and the 7k and 13k runners will start at 11 am.”
The Loon Lake Race is one of the major annual fundraisers for the Powell River chapter of Special Olympics. The chapter formed in 1991 and currently provides seven sport programs – aquatics, bocce, bowling, curling, floor hockey, golf and softball – as well as a general fitness program for athletes. Currently 55 athletes between the ages of six and 85 take part in Special Olympics sport programs in Powell River, with some competing at a national level. Several floor hockey athletes will be attending national games in Thunder Bay, Ontario, in February 2020 as part of a team from Vancouver Island.
“We are also seeing more youth coming out to our programs, and we’re able to support them with programs as they age,” said Milsom. “Our programs offer health and fitness benefits as well as socialization and integration, which helps the athletes physically, socially and emotionally. Fundraising like the Loon Lake Race is an important part of continuing to offer these programs, to help cover the associated costs like venue rental and uniforms.”
Entry fees for the Loon Lake Race are $30 for adults, $15 for youth 19 years old and under, and a family rate for two or more people from one household for $45. Entry fees are waived if the participant collects $75 or more in pledges for Special Olympics. All proceeds will go to Special Olympics Powell River.
Race participants can register online atpacesetterathletic.club/loonlake until 6 pm on Saturday, September 28, or in person at the venue on Sunday, September 29, until 15 minutes before their race starts.
The wheelchair-accessible path around Inland Lake (formerly known as Loon Lake) is just over 13 kilometres long and relatively flat. Walkers, bicyclists and 13k runners will circle the lake on the path, while those running the 7k race will take the Inland Lake trail to Anthony Island before turning around and coming back the same way.
Local businesses have donated draw prizes and prizes for the winners of the running races, as well as refreshments for all participants. There will also be two water stations along the course, as well as outdoor toilets.
Milsom said she hopes that many people will attend the race to enjoy the weather and learn more about Special Olympics.
“It’s a great opportunity to support the athletes,” she added. “A number of them come out to do the race with us, so it’s a great chance for them to be encouraged by others, and also for people to learn a bit more about our organization and what the athletes are achieving.”
