Up to 350 evergreen runners and walkers are limbering up to pound the west dyke in Richmond in a few weeks, as the second annual FY8K event gears up for Garry Point Park.
Set to expand in participants by more than 50 per cent, Forever Young 8K — run by the 55 and over seniors organization Richmond Forever Young Club — the event on Sunday, Sept. 11 is heading to be another sell-out.
John Young, lead organizer of FY8K, is quite optimistic of selling all 350 spots, with 278 having already registered.
And with a BC Athletics certifier having measured the course this year, runners can test themselves officially against the clock.
“We had an 85-year-old set a world record last year, but it wasn’t official, as the course wasn’t certified,” said Young.
“This year it will be different and we expect more people to turn out with the distance being official.”
And this year, Young said an added attraction will be several exhibitors, as part of a mini seniors expo.
The run/walk starts at 9 a.m. at Garry Point Park, travels north up the west dyke for four kilometres, just before Terra Nova, and then U-turns back down to Garry Point Park.
You can register on the day, up to 8:20 a.m., if there are any spaces. Register in advance at ForeverYoung8K.ca.
The age groups start at age 55 and, in five-year increments, go up to 100-plus with first place in each age group receiving a bottle of B.C. wine. All participants receive a T-shirt, medal, chip timing, snacks and door prizes. Registration fee is $50 by Sept. 7 and $60 on the day of the race.
All proceeds from the event will go to Dream On Foundation for Seniors.
