The Kamloops Marathon has been certified as a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.
The long-awaited news for serious runners has come, Kamloops will be the site of a summer qualifying event for the Boston Marathon.
Organizers expect 800 runners from all over Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest for the second annual Kamloops Marathon, which officially announced its Boston Marathon qualifier status today. Slated for July 27–28, the first day is set aside for the 5 and 10 km events, with the half and full marathons on day two.
“We are pleased to announce that our event is registered as a Boston Marathon qualifier,” said race director Phil Hiom. Runners in the Kamloops Marathon, which starts at McArthur Park and heads down Westsyde Road to the Dunes and back, will qualify if their pace meets the strict criteria for their age group set out by the Boston Athletics Association.
PART OF RACE FEES TO HELP BOSTON VICTIMS
A portion of the entry fees of those running the marathon portion will go to the Boston Marathon Victim’s Fund. TRU’s Cross Country running team, the primary beneficiary of the Kamloops Marathon, will share 15 per cent of the proceeds from the local marathon to help the more than 170 people injured and three families mourning the loss of loved ones during the tragic bombings that occurred during the 117 annual Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013.
The primary fundraiser for TRU’s Cross Country team, the proceeds will assist student athletes travelling to races, including this year’s National Championships in London, Ont. Money raised will also create bursaries to help these students offset the cost of tuition and books. Bursaries ensure TRU is accessible to all qualified students wanting to purse their passions.
“This is an excellent addition to our roster of world-class events,” said Kamloops Mayor Peter Milobar. “Kamloops has proven yet again that it has the capability to attract the world’s best athletes, while still appealing to novice competitors.”
RUNNING ROOM FOUNDER, JOHN STANTON TO SPEAK
In addition to the official status as a qualifier, organizers are hosting a pasta dinner on Saturday night, July 27 at the TRU Campus Activity Centre. Running Room founder, John Stanton will be the guest speaker. His topic, “Running, A Life Journey”, includes tips for runners of all levels and for marathon runners on race day. The dinner is open to the entire community.
DINNER TICKETS AND RUN REGISTRATION
»»» PASTA DINNER TICKETS
