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Pumpkin Spice Run draws a crowd for Saturday

New community event in Chemainus generates a response far greater than expected
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The Chemainus Business Improvement Association is obviously onto something.

In the spirit of the season, it was decided to hold a five-kilometre Family Fun Pumpkin Spice Run on Saturday, Nov. 10 at 10 a.m. The public responded in a big way, with 233 participants registered.

“We’re thrilled to have so many participants in this fun run,” noted CBIA coordinator Shelley Johnstone. “This far exceeded our expectations. It’s truly inspiring when the community comes together for some active fun in support of Cowichan Neighbourhood House. We’ve had remarkable business support as well, with sponsorships, in-kind donations and people-power help. Chemainus is a truly special community.”

There is no race day registration so those who didn’t act in time are out of luck until next year. But there’s still ways to participate.

“We’d love to have community members come out and cheer everyone on, anywhere along the course,” Johnstone enthused. “And everyone is welcome to the post-race Party in the Park.”

Registered participants must sign-in and pick-up their race bib and pumpkin prize pack between 8:45 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. on Saturday at Waterwheel Park, on Waterwheel Crescent.

Johnstone noted all participants will gather in Waterwheel Park for an important pre-race announcement at 9:45 a.m. From there, everyone walks together to the start line on the TransCanada Trail.

The route goes along the TransCanada Trail on Chemainus Road before winding back through the downtown core and finishing at Waterwheel Park for the post-race party.

Strollers are welcome on the course, but dogs are not allowed.

Participants who will be walking and participants with strollers are asked to start at the back of the pack.

With part of the course being an out-and-back, it means people will be travelling in both directions on the trail at the same time.

There are no water stations along the route, but plenty will be available at the finish and during the post-race party.

There will be treats, music and prize giveaways during the after-party.

See route map, above left, showing the Trans Canada Trail course and finishing downtown.



Don Bodger

About the Author: Don Bodger

I've been a part of the newspaper industry since 1980 when I began on a part-time basis covering sports for the Ladysmith-Chemainus Chronicle.
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