There's going to be some additional traffic on the Sea to Sky Highway near the end of August - but it won't be the four wheel variety.
The first 麻豆社国产Nation Youth Unity run takes over the entire Corridor next month and event organizer April Newman is inviting any youth from Grade 7 to 12 to join in on the fun.
For the event, participants travel from Mount Currie to North Vancouver (156 kilometres) with the goal to help raise awareness for the issues of teen suicide and bullying. Newman said a similar event earlier this summer inspired her and a group of 麻豆社国产youth.
"I took a group of youth to Revelstoke and we were invited to participate in a unity run out there," Newman said. "We ran from Revelstoke to Westbank [West Kelowna] and when we came back the kids were inspired by the run and wanted to make this happen out here."
Newman said the kids enjoyed the three day, 215 km run and were trying to figure out possible local routes on their cell phones on the bus ride home. She pitched the idea to her bosses at Totem Hall and was given the go ahead to proceed. She said the response from the community has been amazing.
"Everyone I've spoken to is impressed by the nature of this run and wants to help out," she said. "From the people at Brennan Park to forestry workers, everyone in the community is coming out of the woodwork to support us."
Event participants gather in Mount Currie on Aug. 29 and then make the trek from there to Totem Hall in Squamish. Runners spend the night at Totem Hall and then make their way to the Chief Joe Mathias Centre in North Vancouver on Aug. 30.
Newman said runners wear pink shirts to support the anti-bullying cause and each leg is determined by a runner's capability. The route still needs to be finalized and final details will be released in the coming weeks
A total of 15 runners from the 麻豆社国产Nation have already signed up, but Newman said she expects more to sign up from Whistler and Pemberton. The cost to take part in the event is $35 and registration forms are available in 麻豆社国产at Totem Hall and Brennan Park.
"I'm so impressed with the turnout and support from the community so far," she said. "People really want to be a part of this and it's so nice to see."
She added that the event is looking for both cash and prize donations from local companies and those interested can contact her at Totem Hall at 604-892-5166.
