On Sunday, Aug. 25, Texada Island will host the ninth annual Run the Rock marathon, half marathon and eight-kilometre races. The event has gained a reputation as one of the most challenging marathon courses in the country, attracting athletes from around the world for this reason, according to race director Rob McWilliam.
“You definitely have bragging rights,” he said of the full 42-kilometre trek. The half marathon and eight-kilometre race options are suitable for runners of different fitness levels, he added.
Racers contemplating the eight-kilometre route don’t have to decide until the day of the event.
“We know there are lots of people who wake up in the morning, look outside and if it looks like a half decent day they may decide they want to run, so we accommodate that,” McWilliam said. “The half marathon and full marathon, you need to be a little more committed.”
Racers will have the opportunity to meet people from all over.
“We have people coming from Alberta, Quebec, the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island and even some international runners,” McWilliam said. “We have one woman who’s coming from Bermuda.”
The last few years, air quality has been a concern due to wildfires burning around the province. This year the weather looks promising.
“We’re hoping we’ll get a lot of last-minute registrations when people see what the weather is like and the amount of rain we’ve had,” he added.
For more information, go to runtexada.ca
