If you are a runner, you’ll understand the excitement generated by a recent announcement that there will be five and 10-kilometer races held in Barriere on June 3. If you’re not a runner, you might be surprised to learn that you too, by following a simple training program, could easily compete in the five km run by that time.
Wes Kibble is race director for the Barriere Fun Run. He says, “Running is one of the most popular pastimes. Not only does it improve physical and mental health but also it is often a great source of social interaction. Anybody can do it. Running is a thing for all ages, and all people, including kids and seniors.”
He notes that the upcoming Fun Run will bring runners together at the Barriere Bandshell in Fadear Park. The five km race will be approximately 90 per cent road, and 10 per cent trail along the river. The 10 km will be approximately 60 per cent road and 40 per cent trail. There will also be a kids’ race, which will stay within the park border and be approximately 800 m.
“Participants will come from Barriere, Clearwater, Kamloops and other surrounding communities,” says the race director, “Normally people drive along the highway as they pass through Barriere; however, this event will give visitors a different view of Barriere and an opportunity to explore our beautiful community.”
Barriere Fun Run will be a fundraiser for the North Thompson Volunteer and Information Center, “... because that organization has done great things for the community, and needs our support to continue.”
Kibble is also the race director for the Rivers Spring Run Off race in Kamloops on March 18. An avid competitor, he has done numerous half-marathons (21 km), and is currently in training for a personal 40 km run from Whitecroft to Barriere to celebrate his fortieth birthday.
Kibble encourages anyone who would like to start running to go online to the ‘Couch to 5k’ at: www.fromcouchto5k.com. The site provides a daily training program that starts on the first day with a five-minute walk, two-minute jog, and another five-minute walk. If you follow the program, 10 weeks later you are running in a five km race!
He also encourages first time runners to find a running partner or group for mutual support.
“I’ve found training with others is so much easier than trying to do it on your own. We tend to push ourselves a little bit harder when we are not alone,” he says.
He also says that anyone willing to volunteer and help out on race day would be welcome. There will be a need for other community supports, including sponsors. There will be a race website and a Facebook page is forthcoming.
The Fun Run will charge a competitor race fee of $20 for pre-registration or $25 on race day. Participants can register after March 1 online (website address not available at press-time), or at the North Thompson Volunteer Centre (NTVIC). Volunteers can also sign up online or at NTVIC.
For more information Wes Kibble can be contacted at weskibble@offroadaction.ca or at 250-682-7771.