Whether you are a cash-strapped advanced runner or a runner-wannabe looking for a fun event on a flat course to get you started, the MEC Vancouver鈥檚 2014 Run Race Series might be the series for you.
This second annual set of races includes seven 5k and 10k runs at different locations throughout the Lower Mainland, including three within Stanley Park. Each race has an entrance fee of between $15 and $20 depending on how close to each run a participant commits.
These are meant to be no-frills, community races with 300 to 500 health-minded neighbours, said Mountain Equipment Co-op outreach coordinator Mallory Holmes.
Last year the series started out with 100 runners putting on sneakers and taking to the initial course. By the last run of the series, 300 participants, including everyone from competitive elite racers to entire families out for their first run, crossed the finish line, she said.
The addition of chip timing this year for each race on the seven certified racecourses will give athletes an accurate measurement of their achievements.
Runners can expect everything they would get at other more established and expensive races in the city, but without the unnecessary bells and whistles, said Holmes.
鈥淭hey are not getting T-shirts, it is not that kind of swag [race], where you are going to get a gift bag and all kinds of flyers, that is not what we are about. But we want to make sure that the race you are getting is a great race,鈥� she said.
There are medals awarded for the top three in each male and female category. Medals are given to all kids who complete each race.
Linda Wong, a 37-year-old experienced runner and community running group leader, ran the series last year.
The routes are fairly well contained which is less intimidating for beginners, she said.
鈥淭he races have a really low barrier of entry,鈥� she added.
There isn鈥檛 a lot of running in traffic and the courses are fun, with variety in the types of running surfaces and views. Some courses veer onto dirt or gravel trails while others weave along scenic routes, she said.
And while the races are not fancy, they have everything a runner needs including free coffee, bananas and snacks waiting at the end of the race, Wong said.
The first run, called the Rust Buster, is on Jan. 19 in Richmond, beginning at the Biennale sculpture, Water #10 鈥� one block from the Aberdeen station on the Canada Line 鈥� at the corner of Cambie Street and River Road,鈥痑nd then winds along the Dyke Trail.
The series is structured so runners who complete the series can cap off all their training with the first ever MEC marathon in October, and unlike many such events with entrance fees upwards of $100, they won鈥檛 have to break the bank for this one 鈥� the entrance for the marathon is $25.
Register online at events.mec.ca, in-store at MEC 麻豆传媒映画at 130 West Broadway,鈥痮r鈥痮n race day for鈥�$20鈥痓etween 8鈥� 8:30 a.m.鈥疞ast day to register online鈥痠s鈥疛an. 17. You can still register in store until Jan. 18.鈥�
