The BMO Sunshine Coast April Fool’s Run presented by Coast Cable is gearing up for its 39th edition this Sunday, April 3.
Approximately 600 runners, walkers and relay teams will line up on Park Road on race morning before hoofing it from Gibsons to Davis Bay. At noon, 50 children will race around the finish area in Mission Point Park, in the free Sunshine Care Network Jester Dash presented by Pastimes.
The finish area will feature professional race announcer Jordan Back, music by DJ Astrid, hot soup, coffee and other refreshments donated by local businesses, a kids’ activity tent, on-stage awards ceremony and costume contest. Local TV coverage is provided by presenting sponsor Coast Cable.
Last minute sign-ups for the half marathon and relay will be accepted at Running Room on Denman (Vancouver) on Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the Gibsons & Area Community Centre on Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. and Sunday morning from 7:45 to 8:45 a.m.
A few more volunteer slots still need filling to complete the race crew. Online volunteer sign up is available at www.foolsrun.com until 11 a.m. on Saturday; after that, please come to packet pickup and sign up in person.
As of March 28 the event has collected more than $1,700 for the Sunshine Coast Food Bank, through participant donations while registering online. “On race weekend we’ll accept donations of food and personal care items as well as cash,” said co-director Teresa Nightingale. “Our original goal was $1,500 in cash, so we’re pretty excited to have surpassed that already – though probably not as excited as the Food Bank coordinators!”
Local residents along the course are encouraged to step outside and cheer, crank up some music, play an instrument or ring some bells. Some of the more popular spectator locations are the water stations, relay exchange points, and Roberts Creek Village; but the runners really appreciate support at any point en route. Spectators can pick up noisemakers from BMO – available during package pickup and at the finish line.
Visit www.foolsrun.com for the complete race weekend schedule, volunteer sign-up, and late registration details. For more information, contact Teresa Nightingale at 604-885-8849.
