When more than 13,000 people take to the streets next Sunday for the 23rd annual Times Colonist 10K, chances are most spectators won't know 12,999 of them.
While people politely cheer on the elite racers, they'll reserve their loudest applause for the friend or family member who is somewhere in the crowd.
The fastest runners, including international entrants, are on the hunt for medals and some of the $16,500 in prize money.
But for the vast majority of the race participants, their reward has nothing to do with medals or money - they are running for health and family.
"The race is more about the average person who wants to get healthy and active," said Brent Fougner, president of the Victoria International Running Society, which organizes the TC 10K.
"More and more, people are recognizing the value of health and being active is an important component of that."
For most, the annual TC10K is an achievable goal - a goal that people can focus on as they train, Fougner said.
To help people realize their goals, the Victoria International Running Society offers running clinics that begin in January at recreation centres in the Capital Region District for walkers and runners of all abilities.
There were clinics at a dozen recreation centres this year.
People sign up for a 14-week training program under the guidance of experienced run leaders. They meet weekly for chaperoned runs, progressing at a gradual and safe pace toward their goal. Often they meet others and benefit from group support and camaraderie.
"The clinics have a great atmosphere for new runners," said Tom Lanigan, 58, a run leader for a group that operates from Pearkes Recreation Centre. "There is a social aspect and people support each other."
Lanigan has coached new runners for the past seven years. "I do it to pass on the enjoyment I have found in running. It's fulfilling to see past students in various runs around town."
A variety of people are attracted to the run groups. For a new runner like Al Gibson, the weekly meetings are a source of motivation - and feedback.
"To me, running is more than just putting on your shoes and running," said Gibson, 50, who started a year ago. "A clinic keeps me motivated and I learn the proper way. I get feedback if I am doing it right or wrong.
That way, I don't have to [fix] bad habits later."
While some people don't mind running solo, Gibson says running with others is more fun. Conversation can take the mind off the monotony of pounding the pavement.
Elizabeth Farmer, 20, who hopes to run the race this year in 55 minutes or less, says she sometimes sees her former recreation teacher from Spectrum Community School in the crowd when she runs the TC 10K. "He is one of the reasons I run today."
Farmer, who plans to run with her brother and his wife while her mother cooks up an after-race brunch, credits running in a group with getting her back on the road on a regular basis.
For most participants, the primary reason to lace up their runners is for personal health and a lifestyle change.
"I have dropped four dress sizes since I began training in January," said a happy Joyce McDonald, 47. "I'm in touch with my body now. I am so confident that I have already signed up for five more races this year."
For her, the TC 10K isn't the milestone accomplishment in here life anymore, but merely the start of a new phase of her life. Along with her running, she practises yoga twice a week and does some weight training.
While the 13,000 participants take over the city for a morning, the event wouldn't be possible without the efforts of more than 400 volunteers. Some arrive at 4 a.m. on race day to begin setting up, some direct traffic and some staff the water stations, while others take care of the coat check. Charities also provide volunteers to help out.
"It's like all of Victoria is out there on race day," Farmer said. "It's a great feeling, being part of it."
parrais@timescolonist.com
