The 43rd annual April Fool’s Run will see close to 700 participants running and walking from Gibsons to Sechelt on Sunday, April 5. The half marathon and relay is popular among locals and visitors alike, with two thirds of participants coming from off-Coast to challenge themselves on our undulating roads.
The event is on track to sell out before race weekend, with less than 150 spots available as of March 2. Would-be participants are encouraged to register as soon as possible at foolsrun.com or at PaceSetter Athletic Footwear in Gibsons. The next fee increase occurs at midnight Sunday, March 22.
Title sponsor BMO Bank of Montreal is back for a ninth year, providing support in the form of cash, volunteers, souvenir items, cheering aids and team spirit. BMO staff will be hosting the fourth and final aid station, at the 18.5-kilometre mark.
Post-run festivities at Mission Point Park will include hot soup and a selection of healthy snacks and coffee, a professional race announcer and music DJ, and the awards ceremony. Free shuttle buses take finishers back to Gibsons and Langdale.
The finish line fun includes the free Home Healthcare Network Kids’ Jester Dash. This is a very popular run and activity tent for age seven and under that fills up every year with a limit of 50 entrants for the full package (includes T-shirt, medal and souvenirs). New this year: 15 extra “run only” spots. Children must be registered at foolsrun.com.
Cash donations to the Sunshine Coast Food Bank are gratefully accepted during the online registration process.
Visit foolsrun.com for full event details and to register, or drop by PaceSetter Athletic Footwear in Gibsons (pacesetterathletic.ca).
Volunteers can also sign up at foolsrun.com. Each volunteer gets a T-shirt, BMO gloves, access to refreshments, an invite to the Orientation Party, and the chance to win a prize. Those who sign up by March 20 could win a pair of Brooks shoes.
The Fool’s Run was started in 1978 as the result of a challenge between two local newspaper columnists. The route runs from Gibsons Community Centre to Mission Point Park in Davis Bay. Local TV coverage is provided by presenting sponsor Eastlink. The half marathon is race No. 3 of the Lifestages Lower Mainland Road Race Series, which includes 10 races in the Vancouver area. Visit www.foolsrun.com
– Submitted
