NEWS & RELEASES >> 2008
Apr 6/08 - Event Record Shattered at 31st Annual Sunshine Coast April Fool's Run
Mar 23/08 - Running Movies Alert
Feb 27/08 - Over 250 registered for the 2008 April Fool's Run; course improvements for 2008
For immediate release: Sunday, April 6, 2008
Event Record Shattered at 31st Annual Sunshine Coast April Fool's Run
Gibsons BC — A record turnout of 533 registrants signed up for the 31st Sunshine Coast April Fool's Run, presented by Coast Cable Communications. The weather held up with only a sprinkle of rain at the finish, despite the forecast of rain all day. There was actually sunshine through Roberts Creek after a dry start in Gibsons. This year with the Davis Bay highway traffic detoured, the finish line was a festive affair with DJ Astrid and announcer Bruce Bauman keeping everyone entertained and informed as the runners arrived.
The event record was shattered with all of the top 3 men finishing well under the old mark of 1:09:58, set back in 2004. This year's winning time was a blazing 1:06:23 by Ryan Day of Richmond, a First Nations runner originally from Kitimat. Another First Nations runner, Jason Terouche-Loutitt of New Westminster, who moved to BC last year from Banff, crossed the line second in 1:07 flat, and Mark Bomba of Coquitlam completed the trio in 1:08:44.
On the women's side, Suzanne Evans of New Westminster shaved 1 second off the women's record set last year by Katrina Driver, finishing in 1:18:30. Coming in second was top masters runner Joan McGrath of New Westminster, in the 45-49 age group clocking 1:22:10, and Susanne Russell of Vancouver in 1:23:08.
Top masters male was Vancouver's Mark Bennett, 5th overall in a first-rate 1:17:15. Like first female master McGrath, Bennett is in the 45-49 age division. Another master Doug Alward of Port Coquitlam, in the 50-54 division, finished 6th overall in an excellent 1:18:24.
Among Sunshine Coast runners, Owen Coombes of Sechelt broke the 3-year streak held by Shaun Stephens-Whale, who was absent this year, with a terrific run of 1:23:46, taking nearly 4 minutes off his 2007 time. Sechelt's Crystal Spence repeated her winning ways with a 1:35:09 clocking to get her name added to the George Matthews Memorial Trophy for the fourth time.
First relay team to finish was the duo 'Double Trouble' from Richmond in a speedy 1:21:43.
Event sponsor Howe Sound Pharmacy entered 8 walkers and 1 runner to win the corporate team challenge for highest percentage of employees participating.
Full results and photos at www.foolsrun.com.
Running Movies Alert
Two new running movies are coming out soon, one fiction, one non-fiction: First, a running comedy opening March 28th is Run, Fat Boy, Run! Should be good for a laugh and maybe some inspiration. official movie site
A very different type of marathon movie: catch the nationwide release of Spirit of the Marathon, one night only, April 9th: click here for locations/showtimes near you and to order tickets. "The first ever feature-length film to capture the essence, drama and unique spectacle of the famed 26.2-mile race, the production features five runners—three amateurs and two elites—as they train for and ultimately run the Chicago Marathon..."
For immediate release: Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Over 250 registered for the 2008 April Fool's Run; course improvements for 2008
Organizers of the April Fool's Run are pleased to report that registration numbers are right on track for similar totals as the past 2 years. Over 250 runners are signed up with over 5 weeks to go. The entry fees go up on March 15th, so you are encouraged to sign up soon to beat the late fees.
Some exciting improvements are planned for the event; the most significant being the start location. The start is going back to the original location near Sunnycrest Mall, in front of the Cedars Inn Hotel & Convention Centre (race hotel). Race day packet pickup and late registration will be INSIDE Sunnycrest Mall, at the side entrance past the high school. The new track will be handy for warmups.
The finish line will be very festive with a DJ playing music and hundreds of spectators and runners in beautiful Davis Bay. Si Photography will also be on hand to take individual finish line photos which can be purchased online after the race.
Instead of heading back to Gibsons for the awards ceremony, runners can stay in Davis Bay for an earlier ceremony in the Davis Bay Elementary gymnasium, before taking the free buses back to the start.
Check the website for more updates and announcements to come!
Volunteers are always welcome. It takes approximately 50 volunteers for this event to run safely and smoothly. It's a great way to be involved in the action, plus they will get a volunteer shirt and refreshments and the chance to win a draw prize! Details and sign-up form can be found on the race website.