Both the men's and women's 2012 champions are returning to attempt repeat wins at the BMO Sunshine Coast April Fool's Run presented by Coast Cable, on Sunday, April 7.
Vancouver's David Palermo, who surged to victory last year in a personal best of 1:10:57, is keen to take on the Fool's challenge again as he prepares for the BMO Vancouver Marathon in May, where he will be striving for top Canadian honours.
So far the only competitor who may stand in the way of a Palermo double is Nic Browne, who has a similar personal best of 1:10:56.
Lisa Brooking of Langley will also be back to defend her title, following a successful year that included a 1:21:08 third-place clocking at the Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon. She may be pushed by Kristin Smart of Vancouver who was closing fast on Brooking in the final km of the 2012 Fool's Run.
While the elites will be racing for cash prizes or to prepare for a marathon, most of the entrants come to the Fool's Run on the recommendation of friends or because they have done it before and loved it.
With the support of generous sponsors and volunteers, a number of new event features are being introduced to make it better than ever.
At the finish, runners can take advantage of free massage service by Ian Cliff, RMT, receive a free bottle of Muscle MLK and enjoy more locally produced finish line refreshments including soup and scones from Ty's Bistro, bite-size ginger gems from Wheatberries, and the return of the very popular burritos from Today's Entrée, along with an assortment of healthy snacks supplied by MarketPlace IGA.
Beautiful custom designed age group awards, hand-crafted by Mustard Seed Clay Creations in Roberts Creek, will be treasured by visitors and locals alike. Team and relay winners will receive gift cards from the Running Room, and the first local male and female finishers will each win a pair of Brooks shoes.
The cap has been increased to 40 in the free Kids' Jester Dash hosted by Sunshine Coast Care Network and sponsored by Pastimes. The kids' event is likely to fill up before race day, so interested parents should sign up their kids now to guarantee a spot.
New half marathon and relay start time this year is 9:30 a.m. from the Gibsons and Area Community Centre, with an 8:30 a.m. early start for walkers and three-hour-plus runners.
On-line registration is open until midnight Monday, April 1. Walk-up registration (if not sold out) will be available during package pickup on April 4 from noon to 6 p.m. at the Denman Street Running Room in Vancouver, and April 6 from noon to 5 p.m. and April 7 from 8 to 9 a.m. at the Gibsons Community Centre.
See more event details at www.foolsrun.com.
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