“The most scenic 5K in the region” returns to Esquimalt’s streets and parks April 7.
Attracting all levels of participants, from walkers to elite runners, the Esquimalt 5K kicks off the spring event season with a picturesque route through Saxe and Macaulay Point Parks.
Registration includes chip timing, a healthy living marketplace, refreshments and coffee, mini-massage treatments and children’s corner with a variety of activities.
“Lifemark is happy to sponsor the Esquimalt fun run. Supporting these kinds of events in our community means a lot to us because our clinic’s business is to help people have strength, mobility and be pain-free, at any age, any size and at any fitness level. This is the goal of the Esquimalt fun run as well,” explains Paul Gumbley, Lifemark Esquimalt’s Clinical Lead Physiotherapist. “The Esquimalt 5K combines fitness and fun, and brings everyone out together, as a community should. Lifemark staff will be there on the day, with free giveaways and post race treatment, if you need us. See you there!”
Longstanding support from sponsors like Lifemark, Frontrunners and Country Grocer is key to an event that brings participants back year after year.
“We are committed to building a healthy and happy community and by supporting local events like the Esquimalt 5k that encourage fitness for all ages and abilities, we can achieve this,” says Frontrunners’ Nick Walker. “Being a locally owned and operated business, it’s important for us to be community oriented. We support the community that supports us.”
Still haven’t secured your place in this welcome to spring? Here’s what you need to know:
Sign up today! Registrants can pick up their race number and timing chip at the Archie Browning Sports Centre Curling Rink on Friday, April 6 from 7 to 9 a.m. or 5 to 7 p.m. and on race day, April 7, from 7 to 9 a.m. Participants with strollers are welcome, but are asked to start at the back of the pack to avoid congestion. For the safety of participants and pets, please leave dogs at home.
Arriving on race day: The popularity of the Esquimalt 5K means parking is at a premium and organizers encourage participants to carpool, walk, bike or bus to the event. For those who do drive, park in the rear parking lot of the Archie Browning Sports Centre, says race co-ordinator Vicki Klyne.
A complimentary coat check will be available at the Sports Centre, where you can also sign up at the LifeMark Health table for a complimentary post-race massage treatment. Limited treatment spaces are available – sign-up early at the event!
Get ready to run! Attach your race number to the front of the shirt you plan to finish in (make it visible). Your timing chip is on your bib and will track of your race time, starting when you cross the start line and ending when you cross the finish line.
Kids get the party started: The 1K Kids’ Run kicks things off at 9 a.m., with the 5K following at 9:30 a.m. For the Kids’ Run, only children need to be registered, but parents are encouraged to join their kids in the 1K. “We proudly encourage adults to lead by example and support their children in healthy, active living – come have fun!” Klein says.
Be safe: Roads along the majority of the race route are open, so be mindful of vehicle traffic while you’re running and walking. Watch for marshals stationed at major intersections, along with police at certain locations.
After the race … the fun is just getting started! Head to the curling rink of the Archie Browning Sports Centre for coffee and refreshments from Country Grocer and lots of prizes , drawn from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. “Participants must be present to win, but we promise, the prizes are worth sticking around for!” Klyne says.
Results will be available online through Race Day Timing Services.
Ready to race? Learn more and sign up today at esquimalt.ca/5k! Interested in volunteering? Contact Holly Courtright at holly.courtright@esquiamlt.ca or by phone at 250-412-8511.
