The UBC medical students were out in full force this past weekend as they played host to the annual Run for Rural Medicine 5k, 10k run/walk. Jericho Beach Park was the chosen site for this event and mother nature did its part to insure that the day would be a great one for being outside. The Run for Rural Medicine is a fundraiser for medical students in British Columbia to experience rural medicine as an alternative career choice for young doctors. Our province is currently facing a dilemma of doctor shortages in rural areas. This program hopes to expose young aspiring practitioners to the benefits and career fulfillment of working in a rural environment. Although these med students will be dealing with our health issues in the years to come, today was reserved for having fun!
THE COURSE
The course was set out on the crushed gravel paths of Jericho Park. There were two separate paths set out for the 5k and 10k participants. The 5k participants completed one loop while the 10k runners did two. The course layout is right along the ocean and flat.
ORGANIZATION
The UBC med students did a good job with the set up and organization of the event; however, keep in mind, they are medical students and not event coordinators. The event is hand timed and they did have volunteers on the course to assist the athletes. There was an aid station made available. The course layout was a little confusing and there was a couple of runners that were sent in the wrong direction. The good thing is that this was not a competitive event. The participants were decked out in all sorts of colour and everyone had a smile on their face. Connect the Doc was there as a sponsor for the event and had massage & physiotherapists on hand to handle any of the post race needs of the racers. The students did a great job with post-race snacks, Starbucks coffee, cold drinks, and massage for those that needed it. There were prizes and draws as well.
WHO IS THIS RACE GOOD FOR?
This is a non-competitive event. This a great race for anyone that wishes to get outside, have fun, and get some exercise (and raise some money for a good cause). If you have not completed a race of this distance and are a little intimidated by a major event, then this is a great race to gain some experience. However, if you are looking for a PR or you have competed in major events then consider it a donation and make it a good training day.
THE COURSE
The course was set out on the crushed gravel paths of Jericho Park. There were two separate paths set out for the 5k and 10k participants. The 5k participants completed one loop while the 10k runners did two. The course layout is right along the ocean and flat.
ORGANIZATION
The UBC med students did a good job with the set up and organization of the event; however, keep in mind, they are medical students and not event coordinators. The event is hand timed and they did have volunteers on the course to assist the athletes. There was an aid station made available. The course layout was a little confusing and there was a couple of runners that were sent in the wrong direction. The good thing is that this was not a competitive event. The participants were decked out in all sorts of colour and everyone had a smile on their face. Connect the Doc was there as a sponsor for the event and had massage & physiotherapists on hand to handle any of the post race needs of the racers. The students did a great job with post-race snacks, Starbucks coffee, cold drinks, and massage for those that needed it. There were prizes and draws as well.
WHO IS THIS RACE GOOD FOR?
This is a non-competitive event. This a great race for anyone that wishes to get outside, have fun, and get some exercise (and raise some money for a good cause). If you have not completed a race of this distance and are a little intimidated by a major event, then this is a great race to gain some experience. However, if you are looking for a PR or you have competed in major events then consider it a donation and make it a good training day.
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