From an eight-kilometre race, which is more downhill than up, to a seriously-challenging 42.2-kilometre marathon, considered by experts as the toughest road marathon in Canada, Run the Rock on Texada Island has something for everyone.
The fourth annual Texada marathon, half-marathon and eight-kilometre running or walking event, which takes place Sunday, August 24, is attracting athletes from newbie walkers to veteran runners.
Race co-director Rob McWilliam said that returning runners tell him Texada’s marathon course lives up to the island’s “tough as rock” theme. “While the hilly terrain does present a challenge,” he said, “Run the Rock gets rave reviews from most participants who want a serious race and major bragging rights.”
Ken Barton, also race co-director, said one of the things that makes Run the Rock such a great experience is the warm welcome the athletes get when they take part. “Many residents volunteer every year to support the runners,” he said. “They make the event fun with things like costumes, music or funny signs at water stations, plus there’s great interaction at the finish line at Shelter Point Park.” Barton added that the support from the business community “is fantastic.”
McWilliam said the coveted flower rock marathon finishers’ medals will be presented again this year, along with limestone finishers medals for the half-marathon and certificates for the eight-kilometre event. Registration for both the marathon and half-marathon is $40 until August 12, when the price rises to $60. For the eight-kilometre event, the fee is $15 for an individual or $20 for a family. Readers can go online to register or find more information.
Holding an event like Run the Rock on an island presents extra challenges, said McWilliam, who has himself participated in 143 marathon races. These include ferry rate increases and schedule changes. The full marathon starts at 7 am, requiring participants to spend the night at one of Texada’s bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, predator-free campgrounds or the hotel, which offers a marathon rate. The half-marathon and eight-kilometre races start at 10:30 am, adjusted for the new weekend ferry schedule. Pick-up and drop-off services from the ferry terminal are available, so participants can walk on the ferry for the 35-minute ride from Powell River.
In previous years, runners have come from as far away as Germany, Mexico and eastern United States.
