This year marks the 30th year for the Times Colonist 10K, which began with about 2,300 participants whose names were recorded manually on paper.
For this year’s landmark event, organizers have visions of many more than that signing up — via online registration, of course.
Leading the way in 2019 is first-year race director Trish Fougner, a former world-class runner with close ties to the local running community. She said last year’s entrants totalled about 8,700, which included the 10K and the Thrifty Foods Family Run, and things look positive for this year’s offering on April 28.
“We’re on track now to have 10,000,” Fougner said.
Some of the attraction to participate is the chance to be part of the 30-year milestone, she said, but there has also been considerable work done on marketing.
“Right from December onward, we’ve been really working the social-media side.”
A strong newspaper and radio presence has also been a key part of the plan.
Fougner said it also helps that she and colleagues Keith Bridge and Mark deFrias have a variety of connections around the region.
Teams, as always, are a big part of the 10K this year, Fougner said. The deadline for team entries is Thursday.
“We have at least 50 per cent of the almost 8,000 we have registered now on teams.”
The teams bring some wonderful stories to the event, Fougner said. “It could be a business wanting to develop some camaraderie amongst everybody or just showcase healthy living.”
This year’s sponsor of the team challenge is Viking Air Ltd., which has gone from a perennial team participant to the leader of the category.
“At Viking, we take pride in being a part of the TC 10K and have done this event for many years,” said CEO and president David Curtis.
And then there are runners such as 89-year-old Maurice Tarrant, holder of many age-group records for the 10-kilometre distance, who will be running in his 30th TC 10K, accompanied by daughter and training partner Claire Tarrant-Rowley.
Tarrant-Rowley said that every year her father looks forward to the 10K’s relaxed atmosphere and the chance to meet new people along the way.
Fougner said there are volunteers who have been part of the 10K for almost the entire time.
The route for this year has been altered somewhat, cutting out Wharf Street due to construction activity, such as bike lanes. As well, participants will head up Yates Street instead of Johnson Street.
“It’s mostly the same after that, except for on Richardson you turn on Minto and back onto Moss,” Fougner said. “You have to adapt, we’re a growing city.”
For more details or to register, go to tc10k.ca
Times Colonist 10K history
• Number of participants in 30 years — about 250,000.
• Number of volunteers in 30 years — over 25,000.
• The men’s record is held by Simon Chemwoiyo, who ran 28:47 in 1995, while the women’s record of 32:56 was set by Karolina Jarzynska in 2011.
• Lucy Smith has won the women’s title six times, Steve Osaduik has been the top male finisher three times.
