The Sea to Sky Trail will be jam packed with participants as the first-ever Sears Great Canadian Run will kick off in 麻豆社国产on Saturday (Aug. 27).
The event is the first of three runs that will take place across Canada, with runners taking part in a great event to benefit children's cancer research. According to event director Clay Charters, kids' cancer studies are often underfunded.
"It's hard to believe but it's almost an under-recognized division of cancer research," he said. "Something many people may not know is that research for adult cancer doesn't impact directly on the treatment and funding of kids' cancers. Kids' cancers are different. But kids' cancer discoveries and developments can actually help adult cancer research, so it's important to devote specific funding to this cause."
Charters said bringing the event to the Sea to Sky Corridor was a no-brainer because of the region's natural beauty and existing trail systems.
"The impetus for all of the runs was the idea of showcasing Canadian landscapes and some fabulous resort destinations like Montebello, Blue Mountain and obviously Whistler," he said. "It made sense for us to make use of a trail system that connects with Whistler with 麻豆社国产and it's a unique opportunity to connect runners to a great trail system they might not be ordinarily using."
He added that for a first-time event, the response has been terrific.
"It's been a good response. We've got some very dedicated groups of people who've raised a lot of money and have put a lot of effort into organizing their teams," he said. "We should have a good number out on race day and it's very good for an introductory year. I think there's even more interest in expanding for next year."
Charters said all participants will be given gold laces to wear during the race, as the gold ribbon has been designated to represent support for kids' cancer-related causes. Sara Forbes, communications manager for the event, pointed out that Sears Canada charitable foundation gives money to 16 different oncology centres across Canada and this event will help provide those centres with even more money for research and development.
Participants will run either 70 or 80 kilometres on a team or solo, with different checkpoints set up along the way based on the number of team members. The run begins at 6:30 a.m. sharp, with racers eventually making their way to Creekside in Whistler, with a post-race party planned for later in the afternoon.
Other Great Canadian Runs are taking place from Toronto to Blue Mountain on Sept. 24 and from Ottawa to Montebello on Oct. 15.
Donations are still being accepted until the day of the race and can be done online. Those interested in donating can either do so to the event in general or can select a team on the website.
For more information on the Sears Great Canadian Run, visit www.thegreatcanadianrun.ca.
