People from all over the running spectrum are registering for Run The Rock, Texada Island's first marathon and half-marathon events on Aug. 28.
More than 30 runners have signed up, from Powell River, Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, Metro Vancouver and the Yukon. Race director Rob McWilliam says some Powell River runners are attempting their first marathon, "which is like learning to swim by jumping into the deep end, given the hilly terrain."
More experienced runners registered include Janet Green from Courtenay, who has run nearly 250 marathons, and Rick Cooney from Sechelt who has run all "Big Five" marathons (New York, Chicago, London, Paris and Berlin).
Runners can register online at avidfitness.ca, or by phoning McWilliam at 604-486-0377, who can also provide general information about the day's events. Runners must be 16 years of age or older to do the full marathon.
For a $30 registration fee, runners receive a Run the Rock T-shirt, insurance, food and water along the course, other goodies and chances to win prizes. Net proceeds will go to the Texada Food Bank and Texada Arts, Culture and Tourism Society (TACT), the sponsoring organization.
The full marathon (42.2K) starts at 8:30 a.m. at Shelter Point, while the half-marathon (21.1K) begins at 10 a.m. at the elementary school in Van Anda. Both end at Shelter Point.
Texada Island is accessed by ferry from the Westview Terminal in Powell River. Transportation from the Texada ferry terminal at Blubber Bay to the race starting points is available if the request is made at the time of registering.
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