To create an enjoyable running experience is the goal of organizers of the second annual Run the Rock marathon and half-marathon races on August 26, Texada Island.
Building on last year’s inaugural success, race director Rob McWilliam says this year’s event incorporates suggestions from many of the 72 runners and 65 volunteers who participated in 2011.
“We have earlier starting times to allow runners to take advantage of cooler conditions. For the half-marathon, walkers will start before runners. Hopefully, all participants will finish closer together with more excitement at the finish and less time for volunteers,” McWilliam said.
The 46.2-kilometre running course is beautiful and rural with some challenging hills in the first half of the marathon. The island is a 35-minute ferry ride from Westview ferry terminal in Powell River and transportation to and from the ferry on Texada is available.
The marathon starts at 7 am from Shelter Point Park, while half-marathon participants start from Van Anda School, with walkers at 8:30 am and runners at 9 am.
McWilliam said fees have been restructured to encourage early registration. Until August 12, the registration fee is $40. Later registrants pay $60 and will be accepted until August 23. The first 80 race participants are guaranteed a short-sleeved technical shirt, thanks to the generosity of principal sponsor First Credit Union. Other major sponsors are Avid Fitness Centre in Powell River, Lafarge Canada, Sunshine Coast Athletics and Powell River Regional District. Proceeds from the run will be shared between Texada Arts, Culture and Tourism and the food bank.
To register or for more information, readers can contact McWilliam at 604.486.0377, [email protected] or visit Avid online.
