This year's Spring Run Off 10k was the third race of the Interior Running Association's Road Running Series. The event was hosted by the Kamloops Ridgerunners in Westsyde. The outlook for the weather was not promising if you were outside the day before shoveling snow, but fortunately, nature decided to do a 180 degree turn and blessed the participants with a gorgeous day for the 160+ participants racing! The following is a run-down on the course and the event.
THE COURSE
The course layout is fairly flat and quick. The runners begin with a straight-away haul up Bank Rd for about 1.5-2k before veering off onto Overlander Dr. Even though this is along the river it is a residential area so your views are limited. After about another 1.5k you will hit the first turn-around point. Rather than go directly back the same way, the course guides you to the right on Harrington Rd. before re-joining Bank Rd. It is a long straight stretch from here until they hit Garnet Rd. At this point the runners were guided to the right which was followed by a left onto Westsyde Road. The runners have to stay on the sidewalk for about 0.5k until they veer back into residential along Kyle Dr. It is at this point where the runners get to enjoy the nicest part of the run as they head into Westsyde Centennial Park for a short out and back along the river. The race does have a bit of a hybrid element to it as it incorporates a couple of kilometers of packed gravel as the runners wind along the river dykes. Once the runners exit the park, there is a short distance to the finishing area (which is the same as the start line).
ORGANIZATION
The Kamloops Ridgerunners serve as the host for this event and they do an outstanding job. There was pre-race music, announcers, hot and cold drinks, and a well defined start/finish area. The course was well manned and there was plenty of guidance along the way through signage and road paint. They allow the athletes to self seed at the race start (which isn't a big issue at an event this size) and the lead runners were guided by a cyclist. There were paramedics on hand just in case. The runners enjoyed a great spread at the end of the race to go along with all the free swag that was handed out during the awards ceremony. The only complaint that was expressed by some was the lack of a "walkers" category; however, this is understandable as this event was worth series points for both the IRA and Timex Race Series.
WHO IS THIS RACE GOOD FOR?
This race is good for runners of all levels. If you are looking for a good early season 10k that likely won't cause frost bite then this is a good bet. The course is friendly as is the atmosphere. Don't be fooled though. There are still some runners that really move. Top Dog finished this course in just over 33 minutes. For complete results of the event visit the IRA Results Page. If you want to check out the photo gallery of the event click here.
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
The course layout is fairly flat and quick. The runners begin with a straight-away haul up Bank Rd for about 1.5-2k before veering off onto Overlander Dr. Even though this is along the river it is a residential area so your views are limited. After about another 1.5k you will hit the first turn-around point. Rather than go directly back the same way, the course guides you to the right on Harrington Rd. before re-joining Bank Rd. It is a long straight stretch from here until they hit Garnet Rd. At this point the runners were guided to the right which was followed by a left onto Westsyde Road. The runners have to stay on the sidewalk for about 0.5k until they veer back into residential along Kyle Dr. It is at this point where the runners get to enjoy the nicest part of the run as they head into Westsyde Centennial Park for a short out and back along the river. The race does have a bit of a hybrid element to it as it incorporates a couple of kilometers of packed gravel as the runners wind along the river dykes. Once the runners exit the park, there is a short distance to the finishing area (which is the same as the start line).
ORGANIZATION
The Kamloops Ridgerunners serve as the host for this event and they do an outstanding job. There was pre-race music, announcers, hot and cold drinks, and a well defined start/finish area. The course was well manned and there was plenty of guidance along the way through signage and road paint. They allow the athletes to self seed at the race start (which isn't a big issue at an event this size) and the lead runners were guided by a cyclist. There were paramedics on hand just in case. The runners enjoyed a great spread at the end of the race to go along with all the free swag that was handed out during the awards ceremony. The only complaint that was expressed by some was the lack of a "walkers" category; however, this is understandable as this event was worth series points for both the IRA and Timex Race Series.
WHO IS THIS RACE GOOD FOR?
This race is good for runners of all levels. If you are looking for a good early season 10k that likely won't cause frost bite then this is a good bet. The course is friendly as is the atmosphere. Don't be fooled though. There are still some runners that really move. Top Dog finished this course in just over 33 minutes. For complete results of the event visit the IRA Results Page. If you want to check out the photo gallery of the event click here.
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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