The 42nd annual BMO Sunshine Coast April Fool’s Run will see up to 700 participants running and walking from Gibsons to Sechelt on Sunday, April 7. Popular among locals and visitors alike, this is a traditional rite of spring on the Coast.
There are already well over 300 runners and walkers signed up for the 2019 edition. The next fee increase happens at midnight Sunday, Feb. 17. Would-be participants are encouraged to register before then at foolsrun.com or at PaceSetter Athletic in Gibsons, to save some cash and guarantee their shirt size.
Title sponsor BMO Bank of Montreal is back for an eighth year, generously providing support in the form of cash, volunteers, souvenir items, cheering aids and team spirit. BMO staff will be hosting the second aid station, handing out finisher medals, and volunteering in other key positions.
A new offering this year is Running Room Pace Bunnies. Runners aiming for times of 1:45, 2:00, 2:15 or 2:30 can stick with them to stay on pace and achieve their goal.
Post-run festivities at Mission Point Park will include delicious hot soup and a selection of healthy snacks and coffee, a professional race announcer and great tunes from DJ Astrid.
The festivities also include the popular Home Healthcare Network Kids’ Jester Dash presented by Pastimes. This is a free run and activity tent for age seven and under that fills up every year with a limit of 50 entrants. Parents can register their children online at foolsrun.com.
Online donations to the Sunshine Coast Food Bank so far are over $700. The goal is to collect at least $1,800.
Visit foolsrun.com for full event details and to register, or drop by PaceSetter Athletic in Gibsons (in the Holy Crap building).
Volunteers can sign up at foolsrun.com. Each volunteer gets a T-shirt, BMO gloves, access to refreshments, an invite to the orientation party and the chance to win a prize.
The Fool’s Run was started in 1978 as the result of a challenge between two local newspaper columnists. Now in its 42nd year, this popular half-marathon and relay attracts more than 650 participants from near and far to run and walk from Gibsons Community Centre to Mission Point Park in Davis Bay. In addition, 50 children participate in the Kids’ Jester Dash. Local TV coverage is provided by presenting sponsor Eastlink Community TV. The half marathon is race #3 of the Lifestages Lower Mainland Road Race Series, which includes nine races in the Vancouver area.
– Submitted by Teresa Nightingale
