The inaugural Barriere Fun Run has recently opened its online registration and already has runners signed up from as far away as Vancouver. The new website at www.barrierefunrun.com also has route maps and other information.
Barriere Fun Run, which will take place on Sunday, June 3, will take runners through downtown, residential and forested areas of Barriere. The event will be a fundraiser for the North Thompson Volunteer and Information Center.
“We already have a number of runners registered, including three from Barriere,” says race director Wes Kibble. “There is even one gentleman traveling from Vancouver to race the five km run. So far, the majority of entrants are from Kamloops, but we have received interest from Clearwater, Salmon Arm, Merritt and Vernon. When I started planning this event, I was hoping for 50 runners. Now everyone is telling me to expect 100.”
The five km route is fairly flat and perfect for the beginning runner or those trying for a personal best. The 10 km utilizes the same five km, but with an added five km loop in the “Ridge Trails” above Barriere. A 600 m kids’ race will take place before the five km and 10 km races.
“Running races are not just for the elite and experienced.” Kibble admits that he is far from elite. “I have run in races all over Ontario and B.C. After four years of racing, I finally got third place in an event last year.
“Runners are a family. The elite racers hang out with the not so fast. Everyone has fun. There is no ego.
The Barriere Fun Run will be the first running race in Barriere since the 1970s.
“The whole valley is buzzing about the event,” says Kibble. “The five-year-old son of a Kamloops running friend told me the other day that he is coming out to run in the kid’s race. He is so excited.”
Organizers are still looking for sponsorships.
The entry fee for the race is: $20 until April 30, $25 from May 1 to June1, or $30 the day of the race.
In addition to the website at www.barrierefunrun.com, the event also has a Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/barrierefunrun
For further information about sponsorship, volunteering or the event in general, please contact Wes Kibble at weskibble@barrierefunrun.com or 250-682-7771.
