Thanks to a big-time community-effort, organizers are expecting close to 400 participants for the 20th edition of the Steveston Icebreaker 8km Run/Walk.
Slated for Sunday, Jan. 17, the event is a major fundraiser for the Kajaks Track and Field Club and typically attracts elite runners, looking to take advantage of a flat and fast course that serves as the season opener of the Lower Mainland Road Race Series. However, the Icebreaker’s popularity has surged the past couple years as the business community has become more involved.
“Four years ago, we didn’t have many sponsors and we really were looking to the community for help,” recalled race director Jared Hulme. “Now, the whole city has really got behind the Kajaks. So many different businesses and restaurants have stepped up. After the run, we invite everyone back to the (Steveston) community centre to warm-up and feed you. There is a ton of food, awards and music. It’s a real community-based run now.”
“We had about 150 runners four years ago, 250 two years ago and 300 last year. Now, we are hoping for 400.”
What has helped bolster the number of entries is team registration. Local running clubs are signing up teams of runners. Among them is the Kajaks’ own Masters group that trains twice weekly at Minoru Park and is always welcoming new members. There is also now designated pricing for seniors and students and walkers are encouraged.
The scenic course starts and finishes at the foot of No. 1 Road in Steveston Village. Runners head east, along the shore of the Fraser River, down by Imperial Village and through the Britannia Shipyards. Once they reach No. 3 Road, they turn around and come back. There are race marshals throughout the course and the City of Richmond gets involved to ensure safe conditions along the entire trek.
The timing of the event works well for the Kajaks as they gear up for another track and field season.
“We get pretty busy with all the other stuff once our season gets going,” added Hulme. “We like the idea that it’s the first run of the year and a chance to run a fast time.
“The Kajaks’ name is very recognizable in the running community, especially with its ties to (founders) (Doug and Diane) Clement,” added Hulme. “We put a lot of pride and work into it, making sure it’s well organized with lots of food. We want everyone to come here and have a good time.”
The race is scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m. Registration can be done online for $35 with details available at the Kajaks website www.kajaks.ca Registration is also accepted the day of the race for $45.
