The inaugural Barriere Fun Run has recently opened its online registration and already has runners signed up from as far away as Vancouver. The newly developed website at www.barrierefunrun.com not only has a link to the online registration, but also route maps and other information.
The Barriere Fun Run, which takes place on Sunday, June 3, will take runners through downtown, residential and forested areas of Barriere. The event is a fund raiser for the North Thompson Volunteer and Information Center.
“We already have a number of runners registered, including three from Barriere.” says race director Wes Kibble. “There is even one gentleman travelling from Vancouver to race the 5km run. So far, the majority of entrants are from Kamloops, but we have received interest from Clearwater, Salmon Arm, Merritt and Vernon. When I started planning this event, I was hoping for 50 runners. Now everyone is telling me to expect 100.”
The 5km route is fairly flat and perfect for the beginning runner or those trying for a personal best. The 10km utilizes the same basic 5 km, but with an added 5 km loop in the “Ridge trails” loop above Barriere. A 600m kid’s race will take place before the 5km and 10km races.
“Running races are not just for the elite and experienced.” Kibble admits that he is far from elite. “I have run in races all over Ontario and B.C. After four years of racing, I finally got third place in an event last year. I am usually mid pack, but I honestly believe that I have just as much fun as the race winners. If you go to any running race, you will see a variety of people. Some are what you expect runners to look like. Others are average people with a few extra pounds, like me. Some people will run the 10km race in 35 minutes, while others will do it in one hour and 35 minutes. The key is that each one of them was out there giving it their best.
“Runners are a family. The elite racers hang out with the not so fast. Everyone has fun. There is no ego.
“We were at a race in Vernon a few months ago and were waiting on three ladies to finish the run. They were 20 minutes behind everyone else, which is a lot on a 10km race. All the runners and spectators came out of the school when they rounded the corner towards the finish line. You should have heard everyone cheering them on as they crossed the finish line. It was very emotional.”
The Barriere Fun Run is the first time a running race has been hosted in Barriere since the 1970’s.
“The whole valley is buzzing about the event,” says Kibble. “The 5-year-old son of a Kamloops running friend told me the other day that he is coming out to run in the kid’s race. He is so excited! Everyone is excited about the Barriere Fun Run. It is really encouraging. We already have door prizes such as running shirts and hats from Runners Sole and gift certificates from the Running Room.”
However, event organizers are still looking for help in the sponsorship side. “We still have marketing partnership options available. When runners pick up their bibs, they will get a race package in a bag. This bag will have flyers and products from companies. We are also looking for door prizes for the runners and volunteers.”
The entry fee for the race is: $20 until April 30, $25 from May 1 to June1, or $30 the day of the race.
In addition to the website at www.barrierefunrun.com, the event also has a Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/barrierefunrun
For further information about sponsorship, volunteering or the event in general; please contact Wes Kibble at weskibble@barrierefunrun.com or 250-682-7771