The Comox Valley Road Runners invite the public to join them for the annual CVRR Memorial Run. This year's event will be held Sunday, Nov. 20 at Lewis Park beginning at the Salish building at 10 a.m. Registration is 9:15 to 9:45 a,m.
"This run is in recognition of people who we have lost," a CVRR spokesperson said. "That might include club members such as Lorne Franks, John Siemens and Paul Ervin, or you may want to run in the memory of someone else who was close to you."
This is an event for people of all levels from walkers to runners (no dogs please). It is not about speed. The format of the race will be anywhere from 3K to 10K with the winners being the closest to their own predicted time. Maximum time allowed is 50 minutes. No watches or timing devices allowed. The event is free for all club members and $10 for non-members.
Following the Memorial Run the CVRR invites runners to join club members in the Salish building for the CVRR AGM and potluck brunch. Bring a goody to share and your own plate, cup and utensils. "It will be a great opportunity to meet the board and find out what the club is all about," the spokesperson said.
According to club president Wayne Crowe, the CVRR's mission is to promote running through the development and growth of runners and running events. The Road Runners support the common interests of runners of all abilities by providing education, leadership and social opportunities along with programs and services that benefit all runners and the community. The club currently has over 200 members and its vision is to be the local authority on all aspects of running and running events, where people run and socialize in a fun, welcoming and safe environment.
CVRR sponsors a number of running events. They have expanded their 5 p.m. Tuesday Night Work Out at Vanier track to include both a 3K and 5K session. The annual CVRR Jingle Bells Run is scheduled for Dec. 4 at Seal Bay Park. This is a fun event for the whole family with the choice of a 3K or 7K course. Walkers are welcome. Registration is from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Start times are 10:30 for 7K walkers, 11 for 7K runners and 11:15 for 3K walkers and runners. This is a major fundraiser for the food bank. Each participant is asked to bring a non-perishable donation along with their $5 entry fee.
Coming in the new year is the very popular annual 5K Running Clinic. Runners are led through a 10-week training program that culminates in a fun 5K race. There are runners from beginners to more experienced who take advantage of excellent coaching and educational sessions under the guidance of CVRR club members.
Also coming in the spring is the weekly Run For Fun clinics meant to instill a joy for running and fitness for kids ages eight and up. The Comox Valley Half Marathon takes place March 18 and draws runners from all over the province to our community.
The Fifth Street Mile on July 1, the Nautical Days Four Miler on Aug. 6 and the Kids Track and Trail fun run at the Semptember Fall Fair are all key events on the local running calander. CVRR also assists and promotes other running activities in the Comox Valley including Thursday and Saturday Trail Running Series and the Perseverance Trail Run sponsored by running store Extreme Runners.
The club also supports the community by providing training and travel bursaries for young athletes as well as donations to local organizations in addition to suppporting the development of running programs in Africa. "When you add in the various group runs, breakfast runs and social events it is quite evident that the club is at the center of a vibrant and busy running community in the Comox Valley," the club spokesperson said. "Come and join us for only $20 for single and $30 for family memberships."
For registration forms go to Extreme Runners and for more information look on the website at www.cvrr.ca.