By Jaime Polmateer
Organizers in Clearwater are gearing up for the town’s first half marathon event, which will take place next summer, giving running enthusiasts something to look forward to and plenty of time to train.
The Candle Creek Half Marathon is scheduled for Aug. 24, 2019 and is being hosted by the Wells Gray Outdoor Club, with all proceeds going toward maintaining the trails at Candle Creek as well as help to build new ones.
Juanita Allen, race director and organizer, said the half marathon has been two years in the works and the idea is to make it an annual event.
“The hope is that it will be a success to build upon as a featured and flagship annual event for the community and visitors,” she added.
“My husband and I have gone around to different marathons and when we went cross-country skiing in Candle Creek I thought, well this would be a good place to have a run, so for two years I’ve been thinking about it and then when I joined the board (of the Wells Gray Outdoors Club) I proposed it and they approved it.”
The event will be broken into three categories with 5 km, 10 km and 21 km runs, as well as a kids race for participants to run or walk.
There will medallions for everyone who crosses the finish line and prizes for first, second and third place for each of the three events. T-shirts with the race logo will also be available to purchase for $20.
Aside from the race itself, there’s also live entertainment scheduled and a food truck will be onsite.
“I know that Clearwater has a lot of runners here; a lot of people have been wondering why it took so long for someone to do this, so there’s a lot of excitement locally for the event,” Allen said.
“I think it’s going to bring the community together, whether it’s volunteering or just coming out and cheering on your friends or family.”
On the topic of volunteers, Allen added organizers are looking for people who can lend a hand, working at water stations along the trail, doing face painting for kids and taking care of other various tasks.
Anyone looking to do help out can contact her at blackpool2016@telus.net.
Entry fees for the event are $15 for the 5 km run, $25 for the 10 km portion and $35 for the 21 km—kids 12 and under race for free.