The 39th annual BMO Sunshine Coast April Fool’s Run, presented by Coast Cable, will see more than 650 participants running and walking from Gibsons to Sechelt on Sunday, April 3. Runners can save $5 if they register before March 15.
At the finish, 50 children aged seven and under will be racing around Mission Point Park in the Sunshine Care Network Kids’ Jester Dash.
Title sponsor BMO Bank of Montreal is back for a fifth year, providing support in the form of cash, volunteers, shirts, souvenir items, cheering aids and team spirit. BMO staff will be hosting the second aid station, on Lower Road near Joe Road, close to the halfway mark.
“We’re excited at BMO to continue to be part of this long-running community event,” said Natasha Johal, BMO Bank of Montreal branch manager in Gibsons. “The BMO Sunshine Coast April Fool’s Run has become the ‘must-do’ spring half marathon for many folks, from near and far – there’s a real buzz about it. We really enjoy supporting the event as volunteers, runners and cheerleaders.”
Presenting sponsor Coast Cable is also returning with a cash donation plus the traditional upbeat 30-minute show from race day footage, to be aired following the event. Running Room is also back on board, as is City Transfer. Joining them at the Gold Level is StartLine Timing, who provides the chip-timing services and results for most of the Lifestages Lower Mainland Road Race Series. A timing mat will be placed mid-course for the first time, so finishers will see their halfway split times in the results.
The epic nature of a challenging point-to-point course, plus custom-designed medals and awards, free shuttle buses, friendly volunteers, and community spirit are features that keep locals and visitors coming back year after year. After the run, participants enjoy a festive finish zone at Mission Point Park, with a professional race announcer, DJ, and a healthy selection of post-run refreshments provided by MarketPlace IGA, Wheatberries, Ty’s Fine Foods, and Northstar Organic. Free digital race photos will again be provided for all participants.
“Our early registration numbers are up this year,” said co-director Teresa Nightingale. “There are also a higher percentage of first-timers than usual. Our guess is that returning participants are inviting all their friends to join the fun.”
Online donations to the Sunshine Coast Food Bank during registration are at $1,350 so far and are projected to easily surpass this year’s goal of $1,500. After a cheque for the first $1,000 was presented on Feb. 11, Lynne Johnston of the Food Bank has this message for the participants: “It is donations like yours that enable us to continue to assist our neighbours in need. It truly does make a difference!”
Visit www.foolsrun.com for full event details, and to register.
