NEWS & RELEASES >> 2005
Apr 8/05 - Kenyan wins April Fool's Run
Apr 1/05 - Giitah Macharia and Abraham Kosgei confirmed for Sunshine Coast
April Fool's Run, April 3
Mar 28/05 - Get ready, Sunshine Coast, the April Fool's Run is nearly here!
Mar 10/05 - Registration up by 29% over last year
Feb 1/05 - Different ways to join the April Fool's fun
Jan 26/05 - Last chance for Early Bird entry into April Fool's Run
Jan 9/05 - Coast Cable Presenting Sponsor 2005 April Fool's Run;
Major Sponsors and Cash Prizes Announced
Jan 3/05 - Sunshine Coast April Fool's Run already has 50 signups
Oct 11/04 - Registration open for 2005 Sunshine Coast April Fool's Run
Kenyan wins April Fool's Run
HALF MARATHON
By Ian Jacques/Editor
The bar has been raised at the April Fool's Run.
Dodging rain clouds and wet roads, Kenyan Abraham Kosgei, now living in Hamilton, Ont. captured the 27th running of the Gibsons to Sechelt half marathon on Sunday.
Kosgei finished in a time of 1:10:40, around 42 seconds slower than last year's top finisher.
"I think the weather had a lot to do with his finish," said race co-ordinator Teresa Nightingale. "I expected that he'd break the record, but it was wet and cold, so that probably contributed. It's still a great time and certainly helps to raise the profile of this event."
A total of 509 participants took part in the event, up slightly from last year's 487. See the overall results in the Sports Ticker on page C5. [webmaster's note: online results here]
The top local finisher was Shaun Stephens-Whale of Roberts Creek who finished 10th overall. The top female local runner was fellow Creeker Crystal Spence.
Both runners were awarded with the George Matthews Memorial award for being the first local finishers.
Both had solid runs and took five minutes off their times from last year, said Nightingale.
"I think it's really something special to see two young people winning the memorial award," Nightingale said. "George was a teacher. I think he'd be proud to know that young people were receiving this award."
Nightingale said she was happy with how the event went and was pleased to report lots of positive feedback.
"Despite the really wet start, the rain stopped towards the end and the sun came out in the afternoon," she said. "The whole event ran smoothly. Everything went on time, all the volunteers did a fantastic job, and the racers all said they had fun competing. We can't wait for 2006!"
For more photos from the event and information, check out www.foolsrun.com.
For immediate release: Friday, April 1, 2005
Giitah Macharia and Abraham Kosgei confirmed for Sunshine Coast April Fool's Run, April 3
Gibsons, BC - A few last minute entries have raised the bar for the 27th annual Sunshine Coast April Fool's Run, the historic half marathon from Gibsons to Sechelt, presented by Coast Cable Communications.
Confirmed for Sunday are Gitaah Macharia (2004 Canada Running Series Champion, 1:03:59 at Casino Niagara Half in Oct 2004) and Abraham Kosgei (1:05:31 at Casino Niagara). Macharia, a 25-year-old runner from the Congo now living in St. Catherine's, Ontario, placed 1st in four out of five Canada Running Series events he entered last year, coming second only to Olympic marathoner Jon Brown (4th in Athens) at the Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon last June. Macharia and 28-year-old Kosgei (Hamilton, ON) finished 1-2 at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Half in September, just 4 seconds apart (1:05:38 to 1:05:42), so organizers are hoping for another close, exciting finish at the Fool's Run on Sunday.
In the women's race, returning champ Leslie Black may not run away with an easy victory this year, as West Vancouver's Cindy O'Krane might try the point-to-point undulating course for the first time. O'Krane, formerly one of Canada's top 1500m runners now focusing on road racing since having her first child 2 years ago, has announced plans to "double up" this weekend with the Spring Forward 5k in Stanley Park on Saturday morning followed by the Fool's Run as a "long effort before the Sun Run and Bloomsday". O'Krane, now a Masters (40+) competitor, recently ran 1:20:34 at the 'First Half' Half Marathon in February, on a cold and windy day.
Sunday's race begins at 9:00am on Payne Road near Gibsons Park Plaza, finishing at the Raven's Cry Theatre in Sechelt.
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For immediate release: March 28, 2005
Get ready, Sunshine Coast, the April Fool's Run is nearly here!
Gibsons, BC - The 27th Annual Sunshine Coast April Fool's Run is all set to go this Sunday April 3rd, with over 460 participants signed up to run and walk from Gibsons to Sechelt. Another 30 or 40 registrations are expected by race day. The main race gets underway at 9:00am on Payne Road, with walkers and 3hr+ runners heading off earlier, at 7:30am. A reminder that this weekend is the start of Daylight Savings so don't forget to set your clocks on Saturday night!
Late registration and packet pickup takes place on Saturday from 3-5pm at the Cedars Inn in Gibsons, and on race morning from 7:45 to 8:45am in Unit 119 at Gibsons Park Plaza. There is also a Friday packet pickup option from noon to 6pm at the Denman Street Running Room, for off-Coast residents only.
New this year will be on-course entertainment—weather permitting. To encourage the runners as they approach the Davis Bay hill, Linda Williams' marimba group will be adding musical rhythms near the waterfront. At the Raven's Cry, entertaining the finishers and spectators will be 'Fiona Dhu'—the coast's own resident Celts with old and new acoustic music traditions.
Back at the post-race brunch and awards at Elphi gymnasium from 11:30-2:00, 'Reg and Lynne Dickson and the Other Guy' will be playing again this year, and Arbutus Sounds Chorus will step in for a set of a capella barbershop arrangements.
Faster runners to look for include Vancouver's Kevin O'Connor, past winner of the Timex BC Road Running Series who expects to run close to 1:12, and 4-time women's winner and course record holder (2004, 1:23:30) Leslie Black. Also signed up is 18 year old Crystal Spence, 2004 women's winner of the George Matthews Memorial award for first local male and female. Spence has been training for the past 7 months with organizer Teresa Nightingale and expects to shave a few minutes off her 2004 time.
Good luck to all participants!
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For immediate release - March 10, 2005
Registration up by 29% over last year
March 10, 2005, Gibsons BC - With less than a month to go before the 27th Annual April Fool's Run, local runners are logging the final miles in their training regimes in preparation for the 13.1 mile journey on April 3rd. Training clinic participants have now completed two thirds of the 12-week program, and are up to 1 hr 45 mins for the longest run of the week. The March 12 group run from Sechelt will include a "practise run" of the infamous Davis Bay hill, as part of an out and back to Wilson Creek.
Registration numbers are now at 350, which is a 29% increase over last year's total at this point in time. The regular fee deadline is coming up fast on March 20th - a flood of entries are expected between now and then. Shirt sizes are selling out quickly so don't delay if you would like a souvenir technical shirt.
Drivers are reminded to be cautious and respectful of the runners on Sunday April 3rd, especially on the narrow sections of the highway between Davis Bay and Sechelt. Stay inside the traffic cones, and give the runners a friendly honk to help them through the last few miles!
Local residents along the route (see www.foolsrun.com for map) are also encouraged to get outside on race day to support the participants - which neighbourhoods will be best remembered for their Sunshine Coast hospitality?
For all details and registration visit www.foolsrun.com, or call 604-886-7786.
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For immediate release - February 1, 2005
Different ways to join the April Fool's fun
Feb 1, 2005, Gibsons BC - Even if you are not into running a half marathon, that doesn't mean you have to miss out on the fun of the Sunshine Coast April Fool's Run! Check out the following options:
1. Enter as a walker. With the 7:30am early start you will have plenty of time to get to the finish ahead of the last runners. Be sure to carry water and an energy bar or snack, wear highly visible clothing and suitable walking shoes, and pace yourself to last the distance. Train with regular walks between now and then, including a longer walk once a week - build up your stamina over the next couple of months.
2. Grab a friend or three and form a 2 or 4-person relay team, sharing the distance: relay stages range from 3.9km (2.4mi) to 6.3km (3.9mi) - a fun way to participate! Exchange points are located where teammates can access them by car without driving on the narrower portions of the course.
3. Join the volunteer crew as a registration helper, course marshal, or finish line helper etc. As a volunteer you will receive a special t-shirt, brunch ticket and a chance to win a draw prize.
With the early bird deadline now past and over 200 entrants signed up, organizers would like to remind everyone else that the next fee deadline will be March 20. The cut-off for guaranteed shirt size is coming up on February 20. See www.foolsrun.com for all event details, race registration and volunteer registration.
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For immediate release - January 26, 2005
Last chance for Early Bird entry into April Fool's Run
January 24, 2005, Gibsons BC - If you're not already signed up, hurry now to beat the deadline and get the lowest rate for the 27th Annual Sunshine Coast April Fool's Run, presented by Coast Cable. Fees go up February 1st for individuals and relay teams, though the organizers are quick to point out that they are still about half the cost of other half-marathon events. Registrations now total more than 125, with a surge of new entries expected just before the early bird deadline.
Event brochures are now available on the Sunshine Coast and around the Lower Mainland, at running and sports stores like Running Room, Trail Bay Source for Sports as well as other sponsor locations like Cross-Trainers, Sunshine Coast Credit Union, MarketPlace IGA, and the Cedars Inn. They are also available at the Medicine Shoppe in Wilson Creek where entries can be dropped off in person.
The Fool's Run Training Clinic is proving popular again this year, with 21 attendees into their third week of training. Session 4 is happening this Saturday Jan 29 at Cross-Trainers, with the novice group up to 1 hour of easy running and the intermediate group heading out for 95 minutes, having added 10 minutes each week to the long run. All runners are welcome to join the group for Saturday morning sessions as drop-ins ($3) - check the schedule at www.foolsrun.com for locations and times. Those unable to attend the clinic in person can follow along at home—weekly training schedules are posted on the website.
New for this year will be on-course entertainment! Organizers are looking for a few more local musicians to play at designated spots along the route to help keep the runners energized and motivated. If your group is interested in being a part of this fun day while playing for hundreds of local and non-local runners, please call Teresa at 604-886-7786.
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For immediate release - January 9, 2005
Coast Cable Presenting Sponsor 2005 April Fool's Run; Major Sponsors and Cash Prizes Announced
January 9, 2005, Gibsons, BC - Race organizers are excited to announce that Coast Cable Communications Ltd. has stepped up to become the Presenting Sponsor for the 2005 Sunshine Coast April Fool's Run, with significant cash support as well as advertising space for the event.
"We are pleased to be the presenting sponsors of the 2005 Sunshine Coast April Fool's Run," says Coast Cable's president, John S. Thomas. "Good luck and best wishes to all participants!" Watch Coast Cable for their half-hour show on the 2004 April Fool's Run, which has been airing since late summer.
Other major local sponsors are now confirmed, including returning media sponsors Mountain FM and The Coast Reporter; plus Trail Bay Source for Sports and MarketPlace IGA. New on board this year are Cross-Trainers Health & Fitness Club with additional cash and prizes; and Lord Jim's Resort Hotel, providing the Grand Draw Prize of a two night stay in an oceanside cottage with breakfast in bed. Now that's worth running for!
With the increased budget the organizers are happy to confirm cash prizes to the top 3 overall male and female winners. Though modest, the $550 total purse is expected to attract more elite runners, creating an exciting race for top spots and increasing the profile of the event and its location.
Having top athletes in attendance is not only exciting for spectators but for the participants, too. "How many sports are there where you can participate in the same event as the top stars of the country, or even the world?" asks Larry Nightingale, race co-organizer. "Road running is certainly unique in that respect. Even a back-of-the-pack jogger can run in the same race as a world record holder."
Whether jogger or world record holder, training is key to prepare for a half marathon. The 2nd annual Fool's Run Training Clinic has already started (Jan 8) with 21 registrants so far. New attendees are still welcome, as are drop-ins. Session 2 takes place this Saturday Jan 15 at Trail Bay Source for Sports, while the group runs from Up the Creek B&B on January 22 and from Cross-Trainers on January 29. Check www.foolsrun.com for details. Those unable to attend the clinic in person can follow along at home, as weekly training schedules are posted on the website.
Registration is now up to 80 entrants, with the early bird fee deadline just two weeks away. Register online today at www.foolsrun.com and save!
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For immediate release - January 3, 2005
Sunshine Coast April Fool's Run already has 50 signups
January 3, 2005, Gibsons BC - With three months still to go before the 27th annual Sunshine Coast April Fool's Run, about 50 participants have already signed up to run from Gibsons to Sechelt, including defending female champion and 4-time winner Leslie Black of Vancouver. Organizers expect more than 600 participants this year, including relay teams. The individual half marathon is capped at 500 entries so interested runners are urged not to wait too long to sign up.
The early bird fee deadline has been extended from Dec 31st to Jan 31st, so there's still time to sign up at the biggest savings. Look for paper brochures to come out mid-January, or download an entry form at www.foolsrun.com - though online registration is the preferred method (cost is the same as off-line).
Beginner to advanced runners take note: the second annual Fool's Run Training Clinic is scheduled to start this weekend on Saturday Jan 8. It's too late now to pre-register so those who wish to participate must come out to the first session, 9am at Trail Bay Source for Sports in Sechelt, or call 604-886-7786 to notify the organizers and reserve a spot. Training is always more fun with a group! See the race website for clinic details.
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For immediate release - October 11, 2004
Registration open for 2005 Sunshine Coast April Fool's Run
It's not even Halloween yet, but registration is already open for the 28th Annual Sunshine Coast April Fool's Run, set for Sunday April 3rd, 2005. A number of local and non-local participants have already signed up, including a relay team all the way from Calgary. Early fee deadline is December 31st, so sign up this year and save $5 off the entry fee. Registration for the individual half-marathon will be capped at 500 runners (no limit for relay teams), another reason to sign up early.
The popular Half Marathon Training Clinic will be offered again in 2005, starting on Saturday January 8th and running for 12 weeks. With pace groups geared towards beginner, intermediate and advanced level runners, everyone can prepare for the Fool's Run 2005. As in 2004, the clinic will be run out of Trail Bay Source for Sports in Sechelt, with information sessions followed by group runs. New this year: once a month the clinic will move to Roberts Creek for a change of scenery and a chance to enjoy the hospitality of Up the Creek Backpackers' Bed & Breakfast, launched this summer by runner and cycling guru Martin Prestage and his wife, yoga instructor Marney Coulter. Sign up for the clinic before December 31st.
Not running? Catch all the excitement and fun of the Fool's Run as a race volunteer (bring a friend)! Get a front-row seat for the action as a packet pickup assistant, course marshal, finish line helper or post-race brunch helper. All volunteers get a special race crew T-shirt, free brunch, and a chance to win a draw prize - and of course the appreciation of the participants. To sign up, see the Volunteer section of the website or call Teresa at 604-886-7786.
Visit www.foolsrun.com for all event and clinic details, plus online registration and downloadable clinic registration form.
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