Skip to content

Runners, walkers spice up their lives in Chemainus

Family-friendly event encourages community spirit and brings people together
19387366_web1_cautionrunners
Course marshalls are an important part of the Pumpkin Spice Run. (Photo submitted)

It’s not about winning, but the Chemainus Business Improvement Association clearly has a winner in its 5K Family Fun Pumpkin Spice Run.

The second annual event Nov. 9 attracted some 187 entries. The family fun aspect was clearly in evidence with some dressing up in costumes and all ages enjoying the course together.

While everyone did the run or walk at their own pace, the first finishers were recognized and included: Cole Lawrence for the men, Emily Adams for the women, Emma Reilly for the girls and Grady Work for the boys.

Reilly lives in San Francisco and spends time during the year in Chemainus. The entire Reilly family was well represented, with her dad Bill, mom Jenny and brother Liam also taking part.

“We had people from all over the place,” noted CBIA president Chris Istace. “That’s the idea. It draws tons of people into town.”

The beautiful 5K route took participants along the TransCanada Trail and into the charming downtown core to finish at Waterwheel Park. That’s where everyone was treated to pumpkin spice muffins, of course, and a party in the park.

“The main goal of this active family event is to promote well-being, encourage community spirit and bring people together for a good cause,” pointed out Istace. “Bringing visitors into Chemainus and giving our businesses exposure during the shoulder season is just an added bonus.”

The CBIA was grateful to all the participants, volunteers, sponsors and community members for making the event such a huge success.

Funds raised are being donated to the Rotary Club of Chemainus. The exact amount will be revealed when the cheque is presented during an upcoming club dinner.

Istace said this event is clearly here to stay.

“That’s a given,” he remarked. “People are asking for this one.”

Everyone is urged to keep that second Saturday in November open on your calendars for the next Family Fun Pumpkin Spice Run.

19387366_web1_Chris
Chris Istace provides instruction to participants at the start of the 5K Family Fun Pumpkin Spice Run. (Photo by Lulu Vegh)
19387366_web1_crowd
Many in the large crowd of 5K Family Fun Pumpkin Spice Run participants and their families stuck around for a while afterwards at Waterwheel Park. (Photo by Lulu Vegh)
19387366_web1_Emily-and-Cole
Emily Adams and Cole Lawrence are the first to finish in the Chemainus Business Improvement Association’s 5K Family Fun Pumpkin Spice Run. (Photo by Lulu Vegh)
19387366_web1_more-crowd
Pumpkin Spice Run fun is enjoyed by people of all ages. (Photo by Lulu Vegh)
19387366_web1_orange
There’s always a photo opportunity for 5K Family Fun Pumpkin Spice Run participants decked out in the appropriate colours. (Photo by Lulu Vegh)
19387366_web1_Reilly
The Reilly family was out in full force for the Pumpkin Spice Run. That’s Bill, wife Jenny, son Liam and daughter Emma, the top girl. The family lives in San Francisco, but also has a place in Chemainus and spends several says a year here. (Photo submitted)
19387366_web1_topfour
Category winners, from left: Cole Lawrence, Grady Work, Emily Adams and Emma Reilly. (Photo submitted)
19387366_web1_winners
Chris Istace makes presentations to the leaders in their respectice categories during the 5K Family Fun Pumpkin Spice Run. The top man was Cole Lawrence, 27; top woman, Emily Adams, 23; top girl; top boy, Grady Work, 11; and top girl, Emma Reilly, 9. (Photo by Lulu Vegh)


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.
Read more