Less talking and more running.
That’s the theme of this year’s Terry Fox Run in Richmond, under the stewardship of new event coordinator Howard Jampolsky.
Looking ahead to this Sunday’s big run at Garry Point Park, Jampolsky promised to cut back big time on the speeches and get everyone running as close to 10 a.m. as possible.
“People come to the Terry Fox Run to make their contribution and then run, so that’s what we’ll be aiming for as much as possible,” said Jampolsky, who stepped in to run the event after an appeal in the spring by his predecessor.
“We had a meeting with all the crew just the other day and we’re all right on track, we’re looking forward to a great event.”
As well as the run itself, registrants will be entertained by the Sea Cadet band and a taiko drum group.
Runners will also be able to enjoy some generous contributions in the form of fruit and snacks from Save-On Foods and Safeway.
Jampolsky said, although they have a number of volunteers in place, there’s always room for more.
“If someone in the community still wants to help, we’d be happy to have you, we’ll never turn anyone down, and there’s always plenty to do on the day,” he added.
“Normally we’d have a bunch of volunteer students but, with the teachers on strike, we didn’t have access to them this year, so we were lucky enough to have Richmond Christian School step in; they’re sending an ‘army’ down!”
Jampolsky also lauded his wife, Marla, for her “tireless” work behind the scenes in the run-up to Sunday’s event.
Registration for Richmond’s Terry Fox Run at Garry Point Park opens at 9 a.m. with the run itself going from 10 a.m. to noon.
Your run/walk can be 10K, 5K or the 1K family route. Bikes are accessible on the west dyke for all routes; wheelchairs may not be accessible due to a rough surface on the dyke and pathways around the park; rollerblades are not accessible; dogs on leash are welcome.