Thursday, June 7, 2012

KidSport Classic June 24 is for everyone

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The KidSport Classic ½ Marathon, Relay and 10km Walk and Run is scheduled for Sunday, June 24, and while the run benefits KidSport, the event is not just for kids. Everyone is invited to take part and raise money for the Williams Lake and Area KidSport chapter. This year, the City has received sponsorship from Caribou Ski Source for Sports, Kiwanis International and Lake City Ford to provide free gym bags for all participants.

KidSport provides funds to cover the costs of sport registration for kids who might not otherwise get the chance to play sports. The statistics are clear: a child involved in sport is likely to be a better student, is less likely to be a burden to the social justice system and will develop life-long physical activity habits which reduce health care costs. The benefits to the child are immeasurable.

The route this year is the same as last year: it starts and finishes in Boitanio Park. CN Rail has graciously allowed the City of Williams Lake a permit to use the service road along the lane between the RC Cotton lands and Dutch Point Road for this event. Since the permit is only for the day of the race, no training along the tracks before the race will be permitted.

The beautiful lake-hugging route will be similar to the original Dave Jacobs Classic route. Participants will turn off of Highway 20 onto Bagshaw Road and follow the tracks to Dutch Point Road. They will turn onto South Lakeside Drive and then head onto the trails for a couple of kilometres. Distances for this race will be a Half Marathon, 10 kilometre walk or run and a 21 kilometre 2-4 person relay. Refreshments, entertainment, awards and draw prizes will be part of this family centered event.

Don’t be fooled by the name – the KidSport Classic benefits a fantastic non-profit for kids, but this fun, healthy event is for everyone,” says Councillor Laurie Walters, Chair of the Community Services Committee. “I hope to see everyone, from kids to their grandparents, take in the beautiful scenery as they run or walk.”

Designer medals will be awarded to the top three competitors in the ½ Marathon and 10km Event. Categories include Men 40 & Over, Women 40 & Over, Men 39 & under, and Women 39 & under. Relay categories include: Elementary School, High School, 19 – 39, 40 & Over, Family and Corporate. The top three team members in each relay will also receive medals for their achievement.

In addition, local sponsors have donated an excellent selection of draw prizes and grand draw prizes which will be drawn at the event for anyone who enters. They include airfare for two to Vancouver from Pacific Coastal Airlines, a flight around Williams Lake with Rodger Patenaude, and other great prizes.

For more information or to register or volunteer contact the Cariboo Memorial Complex at (250) 398-7665. Maps, race information and entry forms are available at the Complex or at activewilliamslake.com

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