Archived News
2011: September | August | July | Spring
September 2011
- We are thrilled to announce that through application of previous race proceeds, Rotary has worked with the City of Surrey and the services of Jacob Brothers to pave the access between the track (start/finish area) and the path on 20th Ave. This eliminates a previous transition across a gravel stretch of uncertain footing.
- We are welcoming CLIF as a sponsor and supplier of on-course gels, as well as CLIF Bars in the race packages. Aid stations at approximately half way (Crescent Park) and near 17km (Fun Fun Park) will have gels.
- Registration will continue until day of race, although on-line registration ends September 21 at 11:59pm. In person registration can be done at Running Room on Friday and Saturday (see “Registration”) or prior to 8:30am race morning at the South Surrey Recreation Centre.
- Although shirt size guarantee ended September 4th, all registrants can expect to receive a souvenir shirt and we will be doing our best to deliver a shirt in your size.
- Please review information on this web site for details regarding package pick-up locations and race day schedules.
- We can always use more enthusiastic volunteers. If you or somebody you know would like to help out, just click on the link and let us know. We LOVE Volunteers!
- NOTE that we are sharing the general facilities of the South Surrey Athletic Park with another major event on the same day and while there is plenty of parking at the complex, you should leave a little extra time to find that parking and get to the Recreation Centre for chip pick-up.
- The route will be well marked and we will have lots of volunteer marshals, professional flaggers and RCMP members to direct you and manage traffic at major intersections and crossings.
- Participants are reminded that we do not have exclusive use of the streets and paths that make up our routes, and that even though traffic control is provided, you must make it your personal responsibility to run or walk safely.
- As a matter of safety and courtesy to other participants, we strongly recommend that you not use personal music devices while running/walking.
- We suggest that all participants take a moment to consult this excellent policy of runner etiquette.
- Both the Half Marathon/Relay and the 5K will have a lead cyclist and a sweep to make sure everyone gets home safe and sound.
- In response to requests to have a 30 minute early start for some individuals who wish to walk the half marathon event, we have decided to offer this option. A volunteer leader will guide such participants through the early part of the route until 9:00am when the Half Marathon begins and the course is officially open. There will be no traffic management and officially, no volunteer services until 9:00am. Once the event starts, walkers will be able to continue normally. Because an early option was not available at registration, anyone wishing to partake in the early start MUST e-mail the race director at: rotaryrunracedirector@gmail.com or indicate at package pick-up that you want an early start. You will be issued a timing chip but it will need to be adjusted for the early start and the timing company will need to be able to identify you. If you intend to start at 8:30am, you must be at the start area of the track well before that time as you must follow the volunteer leader.
August 2011
Registration is rolling along very nicely with numbers up from lots of new runners who haven't done this event previously, not to mention the return of a goodly number who have. We look forward to welcoming one and all to a great event.
Among those we are welcoming are approximately 50 women running under the “She Loves” banner in support of abused and mutilated women in Africa. This group of dedicated women are using the Rotary Run Half Marathon as their challenge race to fund-raise for the Watoto Project and hope to raise as much as $50,000 through their efforts. Listen for the voices of the Watoto Children's Choir among our pre and post-race music selections. This is an independent initiative, but we are pleased that they have chosen the Rotary Run to be “their” race. Watch for their team shirt and cheer them on.
Don't forget that there will be another entry fee increase at September 4. We are more than happy to take your money, but think you would rather keep it, since it is as simple as remembering to enter in the next couple of weeks. That goes for all three events. It is a terrific help to race organizers when entries are confirmed early, and just makes for a better event. In fact, not only will you avoid an entry fee increase, but everyone who helps us out and registers by August 28 will be entered in a special restricted draw for dinner for two at a local fine dining establishment. That is everyone, including those already registered.
Our race is on the verge of another development too, which is a major reason for creating incentives for early registrations. Until now, we have used 10 year age categories for prizing. We intend to shift into 5 year age categories as numbers warrant. Should the Half Marathon exceed 200 entries by September 1, prizing will be expanded to 5 year age groupings, giving the older runners in the current 10 year divisions a better chance to bring home some hardware.
The Rotary Run uses measured and certified courses, and is sanctioned by BC Athletics. So, if you do something amazing — it will count. Speaking of which — something amazing that is — we have added event records under the “Results” tab, as well as male and female Age Category records. We took a decision that all records must be on the measured courses. So, Half Marathon records date back to 2006 and 5K records to 2010, the dates when the courses were measured and certified. Have a look and see if you have what it takes to tackle one of these standards. It was a hard decision, but we had to leave out a couple of very nice performances in the 5K event because of the policy. You will see recognition of these runners, but not a time, on the records page.
All this talk of records and age group prizes shouldn't discourage first timers or less competitive runners. Everyone is a winner, just by taking on the challenge of one of these events. Publishing our records is simply part of the development and evolution of the Rotary Run, as is expanding our prize categories. After 10 years, it seems only right to acknowledge those who have brought their A-Game to our race.
We would also point out under Registration that we have posted a downloadable “paper” entry form and waiver for each event. Please ensure if you want to go this route rather than on-line registration that you act in plenty of time to allow for delivery. Of course, you can register right up to day of race, but will need to pay the late entry fee and can't be guaranteed a race shirt and won't be entered in the special draw.
Don't forget the Relay. We have new categories to make for some fun competitions among like organizations. In addition to our three age based categories, Family and Corporate, we have added Running Clubs, Service Clubs and Emergency Services. It only requires you and three running buddies and you have a team. If you are the initiator in your group you could even grab the one mile glory (finishing) leg for yourself!
Not able to run with us on September 25th? Then how about volunteering? All regular runners know how much the volunteers mean to a great event and great personal experience. Our volunteer crews are second to none, but we always need more and everyone will be welcomed with a T-shirt, special prize draws and post-race refreshments. If this sounds good, then click on our volunteer link at the left and let our Volunteer Chair know you want to help out.
See you in South Surrey in September.
July 2011
BIG news for the Rotary Run! We welcome Canadian Tire as Presenting Sponsor for our event. We are thrilled to have such a vote of confidence for the quality and future of our race(s).
Things are coming together for another great series of races on September 25!
We are particularly excited about adding three new Relay Categories. In addition to the existing team categories (four to a team) which include Family, Corporate and Age Group (<126, 126–174 and >174) we have added Running Clubs, Service Clubs and Emergency Services. There will be prizes for all categories recognizing first to third placings.
The Rotary Run Half Marathon, Team Relay and 5K is one of the best bargains in local running, but come July 31, it will be a little less of a bargain. July 31 is the date when the entry fees on all events begin to escalate. So, if you like a great race, including post-race food and fun, AND a bargain, then it is soon time to get to the Registration link and sign yourself up.
If the Relay is your thing, get three friends and find your best fit category! Show those other companies in your field that you have the fastest runners, or maybe challenge the “In-Laws” to put together a family team and see which branch of the family has the best runnin' genes (that's genes, not jeans — never run in jeans — Waaaay too sweaty!) In case you are wondering, Corporate Teams can use immediate family members (spouse, kids, parents) but two runners must be employees. Same idea applies for Service Clubs and Emergency Services. So, there, I just took away a whole bunch of excuses! Come on out and give it a go.
Fast Five. We are letting running clubs know that our 5K route is designed to be fast! What makes it easy for families and first timers is also what offers competitive runners a chance at a PB. But don't worry if you are a first timer. It won't take long for the speed merchants to clear out of the way and then you will have a great course for running or walking or a bit of both. The fastest way to become a runner is to start with a run/walk approach. The Running Room has programs that will help you get started. Our local Running Room outlet in South Surrey definitely has a program for this specific event, but check your local store, most will have a program to help you get running, or walking so you will feel confident to finish your chosen event.
The Half Marathon offers a route that is both scenic and challenging. A good time is possible if you run it right! The course is flat in places, downhill much of the way and just a 'wee bit' up here and there (what goes down, must come up). All Half Marathon finishers receive a technical shirt (Adidas) and a finisher medal. The Half has an official time limit of 3 hours. Walkers are welcome in the event and will be given an official time as long as they finish by Noon. We have had some requests for an early start time and are considering a thirty minute escorted advanced start. However, logistics will not allow us to give official times and recognition for participants finishing over 3 hours. We are thinking that for those who take advantage of an early start, we would create a “Finisher” category. Such an entrant would enjoy all the benefits of other competitors except an official time and consideration for place prizes within age categories. A decision will be taken soon on this matter. Watch for a final announcement.
So, what are you waiting for? Sign up now, get training and see us in Surrey in September!
Watch here for more news as the event draws near.
Spring 2011
Time to start gearing up for the Rotary Run — Half Marathon, Team Relay and 5K. It is always tempting to use some term like “All New”. While that is hard for a race with a 10 year history, there are a good many new aspects the races will be bringing to the running community, including a subtle name change. The Rotary Club of White Rock — Peace Arch will now be the Presenting Sponsor, working with all other sponsors who generously support and make the event what it is.
The Club also has a new race director and is instituting new and exciting aspects to the Relay and 5K in particular. The Half Marathon course is challenging, but you won't find many others with such a varied and attractive route, nor any with more enthusiastic volunteers. Coming just two weeks prior to Victoria, Kelowna and Portland marathons, some runners will look at this as an ideal, close to home, tune-up. A technical souvenir garment and finisher medal will reward all who put it on the line, whether full out for a PB attempt or a 95% pre-marathon training race. Everyone will enjoy the sights and sounds and for sure, the food and prizes that will follow.
Not ready to commit to a half marathon? Find three friends and form a Relay team. The Team Relay is tucked into the Half Marathon with four legs of approximately 5K, 6K, 8.5K and 1.6K — something for everyone. We are challenging Lower Mainland running clubs to put one or more teams together, get out to the South Surrey Athletic Park and show the “other guys” what you can do.
Speaking of clubs, this event is put on by the Rotary Club of White Rock — Peace Arch so we are setting up a Service Club category and challenging local clubs to show what they are made of. Still not done, we are adding a category for those people who “serve and protect”. That's right: Emergency Services. In all, we are adding four new Relay categories in addition to the existing Corporate, Family and Age-Based groups (Under 126, 126-174, and 175+ cumulative years). Remember, it only takes four runners to make a team. We will even consider adding other prize categories as long as you come to us with 10 teams that would make a different competitive category (say there were 10 Financial Institutions or medical practices, for instance). More to come later on the specifics.
If you don't have three friends to come run with you on September 25, we still have a fast, flat 5K for you. (OK, so maybe the last wee little bit isn't totally flat, but the rest is!) Our 5K is suitable for runners or walkers and strollers are welcome too. It is a great personal goal distance for those who have decided this is the time to get out there and do something healthy. (Watch for more information on training opportunities for those just getting started.) For seriously competitive runners, this is a fine course with potential for an excellent time, good racing and quite possibly a course record. You will have your own start time (after the Half Marathon and Relay runners are out of the way) and a running track finish. And even better, you will be back first. Did we mention the great post-race food?
Our new Race Director is Dan Cumming, recently “retired” RD of Vancouver's “First Half” Half Marathon and new resident of South Surrey/White Rock. He's been working full-out with the Rotary members to build on the work of previous race committees, particularly the tireless efforts of Dee Makepeace who has been making things go for the last few years, and who is now taking a well-deserved break, not gone, but back from the front line.
See you in September! Watch here for more updates as race day approaches.