The annual Canada Day 5th Street Mile returns this year to its traditional straight-ahead course now that Complete Street improvements have finished.
The start line is the intersection of Woods Avenue and Fifth. The finish line and post-run events are at Simms Park.
“I think people like it because it’s a faster course,” race director Rob Kelly said. “It goes down the same route as the parade. Last year was good for a temporary solution.”
Due to construction on 5th, the 2018 race started at Harmston Park at 6th and Kilpatrick. Once runners reached Simms, they completed a lap of a gravel trail and finished near the gazebo.
There are awards for top overall and age-group finishers. The fastest time in the history of the event is 3:58 by Black Creek Olympian Cam Levins, who holds the national marathon record. Levins also posted a 3:59 on two other occasions.
The Comox Valley Road Runners hosts the family event, which is free of charge. Register from 8-9 a.m. at the starting line.
The run starts at 9:30 a.m., Monday, July 1.
“You can race it, but you can also run it, walk it, jog it — and watch the parade right after the event,” Kelly said.