Registrations for this year’s Fernie Half Marathon are up from last year as the run creates more interest, especially with the improvements made over the past few years, say race organizers.
“We really want to encourage everyone to register right away to ensure they can get this year’s edition of the t-shirt and avoid disappointment,” says race secretary Lori Bradish. “And this year we are hoping to offer timed splits for each team member if some potential sponsorship comes through.”
Deadline for ensuring runners receive a FHM dri-wick t-shirt is this coming Saturday, September 17. After that time registrations will still be accepted but will not be eligible for the entire race package. Bradish says the looming deadline is needed to ensure their supplier, Giv’Er Shirtworks, is able to secure stock and have the shirts custom printed in time for the race. To register online go to www.ferniehalfmarathon.com.
The annual run has been held in Fernie the first weekend in October for 11 years. Each year it attracts more participants, last year topping more than 325 runners.
“We love that this run has grown to the point of attracting runners from all over southern B.C., Alberta and Montana. It’s been a great shoulder season event for the community and a great way for runners to end their season,” Bradish says.
Last year was the first organizers were able to offer chip timing, providing exact overall times for runners and 3-person teams. This year Bradish says they are hoping that certain sponsorship comes to fruition enabling them to offer teams accurate split times for all 3 members.
“It’s quite an expensive option – each timed location costs almost as much as the Start/Finish area. We felt it would be too onerous to add that cost onto the runners so we are pursuing some other options.”
This year there will also be a mini Runners Symposium during Registration Package pick up on Saturday, October 1 at the Park Place Lodge. Bradish says local health care and physical therapy and training specialists will be hosting short 20-30 minute sessions throughout the afternoon when racers will be coming to pick up their complete race packages.
“Most races like this have Registration Package pick up the day before and we thought it would be an idea to offer these short informative sessions for the runners arriving in town.”
As in previous years the proceeds for the run are targeted towards local children’s programming. The last two years the Friends of the Fernie Heritage Library received substantial donations.
For more information about the Fernie Half Marathon check out the website at www.ferniehalfmarathon.com.