Lace up for the TC 10K
More than 9,000 people are expected to take to the streets — running or walking 10 kilometres — on Sunday at the 28th annual Times Colonist 10K.
Regular runners will travel the same route as elite racers, with the prize being better health rather than medals and money.
“It’s not about being the fastest, but a desire for a healthier lifestyle,” said Bill Taylor, Vancouver Island area manager for the Running Room, the newest retail partner for the event.
“We want to expose people, to get them interested to the idea of life-long ParticipACTION,” added Taylor, referring to the national program that encourages Canadians to lead a more active life.
For most people, running and walking the annual TC10K is an achievable goal, especially with the help of training clinics run by the Victoria International Running Society, which hosts the event.
Participants of all abilities have been training since January at a dozen recreation centres throughout Greater Victoria and Shawnigan Lake. Participants sign up for a 14-week program led by experienced runners. At the weekly chaperoned runs, they progress at a gradual and safe pace toward their goals.
Although beginners comprise the majority of clinic participants, there are a significant number of repeat members.
“We initially thought that only beginners would be interested in the clinics,” said Angie Woodhead, the new director of operations at the TC10K. “We were pleasantly surprised to find a large number of repeat clientele.”
She said that for many, it’s social, an opportunity to meet up with fellow participants year after year. It’s the same for the race, where she says there are “a handful of lifers” — people who have run the 10-kilometre race 28 years in a row. The oldest participant this year is a 92-year-old man.
“Many have used the race initially to improve their health or to achieve a weight-loss goal. Our hope is that they use the event as a springboard into a healthier lifestyle,” she said.
The Thrifty Foods Family Run aims to instill the excitement of the regular race in a younger demographic. Families can walk, jog or push a buggy around a 1.5-kilometre course before enjoying festivities in the Kid Zone.
“It’s awe-inspiring to watch the little duffers,” said Taylor
While the 9,000 participants take over the city for a morning, the event wouldn’t be possible without the efforts of more than 700 volunteers. Some arrive as early as 4 a.m. on race day to begin setting up. Others direct traffic or staff the water stations. Charities provide volunteers to help out.
Participants can still register for the race at the Race Expo, which takes place at Crystal Garden, 713 Douglas St., on Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Expo is open to the public and is the place for registered runners and walkers to pick up their race packages. Teams can also pick up their packages on Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The race starts at 7:55 a.m. on Sunday for wheelchair and visually impaired athletes, with other runners and walkers starting at 8 a.m. from the corner of Belleville and Government streets. There will be four portapotty stations, as well as three permanent public washrooms along the race route.
Road closures include intersections along the race route on a rolling basis. The start/finish area will be closed from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. and an on-street parking ban on the race route will be enforced from 4 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sunday.
Go to tc10k.ca for details.