Participants along the Overlander Bridge in Kamloops
Every year the Kamloops Daily News rallies the city around a new cause through their annual running of the Boogie on the Bridge. The unique feature behind this event is the music. There are live bands playing throughout the course to inspire the participants and create an atmosphere reflective of the good nature of the event. This year was no different as over 1800 participants signed up to challenge the 1k, 5k, 10k, or half marathon course. This is a big event and there were hundreds of volunteers, sponsors, and emergency personnel required to pull off the event. The following is a brief run-down of the course and organization of the race.
THE COURSE
There are varying distances for this event and they all have the same start and finish area. For the 1k scramble, the runners stay in the downtown core but for the rest of the participants, the Overlander Bridge serves as the destination point after a brief jaunt through downtown. Once over the bridge, there is a pivotal junction where volunteers herd the runners towards their course. The 5k runners have their turn-around point shortly after crossing the bridge. The 10k and half marathoners; however, continue on a route that takes them along the river until their specified turn-around point. The course difficulty varies depending on the distance. The 5k racers will find the the course will have some hilly sections in it. The finish stretch is a straight climb for about a half kilometre that is neither difficult nor friendly. The 10k and half marathon runners will notice less of the hills as they have a long section from the bridge to the turn-around and back that is primarily flat. The downtown is the only section that really provides some hilly sections. For these runners, it is only a fraction of the course. The weather on this day was perfect and for the most part the runners are fairly sheltered. The only area that you are likely to find wind to be a factor is the bridge but it was fairly calm on this day. The course is a closed course and has volunteers that coordinate and direct traffic. Police and Fire were on hand to assist in this process.
ORGANIZATION
The race organization was solid. In a race this size there are hundreds of volunteers needed for coordination. There did seem to be some confusion over the start time of the second wave of runners but for the most part the race went off without a hitch. There was plenty of support along the course with several aid stations, paramedics, and race coordinators directing athletes as they made their way through the course. One area of concern was the head start of the half marathon racers. Many of the lead runners were already on their way back and ran into a large bottle neck of 5k runners/walkers near the junction. By this time the Overlander Bridge was packed with participants and many of the runners had to weave their way through a lot of congestion (which included children). None of the athletes seemed to mind too much but it could affect results. Overall the race was a good event that raised over $120,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters in Kamloops and area. Way to go everybody!
WHO IS THIS RACE GOOD FOR?
The race is first and foremost a fundraiser. The atmosphere is fantastic and the participants really seem to enjoy themselves. However, this is not your race if you are a type A speed demon. You can still post a good time but keep in mind the reason you are out on the course is more important than your PR. This race is excellent for anyone who wants to get outside and support a great cause or complete a new distance. It is open to walkers, strollers, and kids. There are a ton of activities and music is abundant. Make it an annual stop on your calendar if you live in the area.
*VISIT OUR PHOTO GALLERY FOR PICTURES OF THIS EVENT
We would love to hear your comments. Drop us a line in the comments section below and subscribe to our blog feed by clicking the RSS button on the page or follow us on facebook at facebook.com/bcracereview. Send us your photos. Our email is bcracereview@gmail.com
THE COURSE
There are varying distances for this event and they all have the same start and finish area. For the 1k scramble, the runners stay in the downtown core but for the rest of the participants, the Overlander Bridge serves as the destination point after a brief jaunt through downtown. Once over the bridge, there is a pivotal junction where volunteers herd the runners towards their course. The 5k runners have their turn-around point shortly after crossing the bridge. The 10k and half marathoners; however, continue on a route that takes them along the river until their specified turn-around point. The course difficulty varies depending on the distance. The 5k racers will find the the course will have some hilly sections in it. The finish stretch is a straight climb for about a half kilometre that is neither difficult nor friendly. The 10k and half marathon runners will notice less of the hills as they have a long section from the bridge to the turn-around and back that is primarily flat. The downtown is the only section that really provides some hilly sections. For these runners, it is only a fraction of the course. The weather on this day was perfect and for the most part the runners are fairly sheltered. The only area that you are likely to find wind to be a factor is the bridge but it was fairly calm on this day. The course is a closed course and has volunteers that coordinate and direct traffic. Police and Fire were on hand to assist in this process.
ORGANIZATION
The race organization was solid. In a race this size there are hundreds of volunteers needed for coordination. There did seem to be some confusion over the start time of the second wave of runners but for the most part the race went off without a hitch. There was plenty of support along the course with several aid stations, paramedics, and race coordinators directing athletes as they made their way through the course. One area of concern was the head start of the half marathon racers. Many of the lead runners were already on their way back and ran into a large bottle neck of 5k runners/walkers near the junction. By this time the Overlander Bridge was packed with participants and many of the runners had to weave their way through a lot of congestion (which included children). None of the athletes seemed to mind too much but it could affect results. Overall the race was a good event that raised over $120,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters in Kamloops and area. Way to go everybody!
WHO IS THIS RACE GOOD FOR?
The race is first and foremost a fundraiser. The atmosphere is fantastic and the participants really seem to enjoy themselves. However, this is not your race if you are a type A speed demon. You can still post a good time but keep in mind the reason you are out on the course is more important than your PR. This race is excellent for anyone who wants to get outside and support a great cause or complete a new distance. It is open to walkers, strollers, and kids. There are a ton of activities and music is abundant. Make it an annual stop on your calendar if you live in the area.
*VISIT OUR PHOTO GALLERY FOR PICTURES OF THIS EVENT
We would love to hear your comments. Drop us a line in the comments section below and subscribe to our blog feed by clicking the RSS button on the page or follow us on facebook at facebook.com/bcracereview. Send us your photos. Our email is bcracereview@gmail.com
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