Could this coastal half-marathon be B.C.’s best kept running secret?
It’s no joke. The BMO Sunshine Coast April Fool’s Run may well be one of B.C.’s best running events. Taking place for the 41st time in 2018, the historic event offers a single point-to-point and net downhill half-marathon that runs from Gibsons to Sechelt on the province’s west coast about a two-hour trip (drive plus ferry) from Vancouver.
BC’s best-kept coastal secret, the @aprilfoolsrun, happens this Sunday! Whether you're participating, volunteering or just simply going cheer everyone on, enjoy the beautiful scenery & hospitality of the #SunshineCoastBC! https://t.co/X0aesaxXAE #explorebc #foolsrun #halfmarathon pic.twitter.com/vmbPaPgKHv
— Sunshine Coast Tourism (@sunshinecoastca) April 6, 2018
Good luck to everyone running the @aprilfoolsrun – part of the @LmrrsVan. Registration is open for the @OasisCanada #Shaughnessy8k on May 27th, next in the series. #runlocal
— L-G Road Runners (@LGRoadRunners) April 8, 2018
It was as close a finish as they come in the men’s race where Benard Cheruiyot Koske (residence not stated) edged out Vancouver’s Paul McNamara by a single second, winning in 1:13:46. James Lamers, also of Vancouver, was third in 1:15:25.
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The women’s race was not quite as dramatic and saw Vancouver’s Laurel Richardson take the top spot in a time of 1:24:56. Allison Ezzat of North Vancouver was second in 1:26:49 with Kristin Smart of Cobble Hill, B.C., third in 1:28:25.
Many participants sport colourful costumes along the route and are rewarded with a generous post-race meal that includes hot soup, fresh coffee and baked goods.
Adding to the event’s unique traditions is the 9:17 a.m. start time (PST).
The event is part of the Lower Mainland Road Race Series and fully sanctioned by BC Athletics.
Busy Sunday:
Bazan Bay 5K @vanislandseries Finale@aprilfoolsrun Half Marathon @LmrrsVan Race 3
Oliver 10K @interiorrunning Race 3@MEC Vancouver Trail Race 2@Pen_Run Heritage to Hatzic 10/5K@rupertrunners Half Marathon + 8K— BC Athletics (@BC_Athletics) April 6, 2018
Elsewhere in the province, the Bazan Bay 5K served as the conclusion of the Vancouver Island Race Series. The race was won by Ben Weir in a time of 15:08, just ahead of Josh Kozelj (15:10) and Derrick Evans (15:11), all of whom hail from Victoria. Alsion Hooper was the first female, running 16:47, and finishing ahead of Chloe Hegland (17:16) and Catrin Jones (17:26), also all from Victoria.