Kamloops Marathon changes could swell entry numbers

SPORTS — The Kamloops Marathon will move from a two-day to a one-day format this year and change distances for the shorter runs.

“We value the input of our participants and wanted to respond favourably by incorporating some of the best suggestions,” said race director Rick Jenkner.

“I’m very happy to be part of the Kamloops Marathon and I’m looking forward to building it into one of the biggest and best events in the city,” he said of the event scheduled for Sunday, July 27.

A TRU news release Friday said that addition to the change to a one-day format, a marathon relay will be added, and the half marathon will be included in the Interior Running Association’s Canadian Tire Road Race Series. The 10-km. run will be reduced to K8 and the 5K run/walk to a 3K.

All events will start and finish at McArthur Island, and have staggered start times. Part of the entry fees will again go towards bursaries for Thompson Rivers University athletes.

The marathon distance is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon and is expected to attract runners looking for a qualifying time before the Sept. 14 cutoff.

Entry fees for the Kamloops Marathon range from $15 for the 3K to $50 for the marathon, and $120 for the relay until Feb. 28. Registration is at Running Room stores and online at kamloopsmarathon.com.

Kamloops runner Rick Brewster will race this year after completing the half marathon last year and the marathon in the first year, where he finished third.  He said it’s another excuse to combine great scenery, exercise, and fundraising.

“Visually, it is a beautiful route. You’re running alongside the river and have the nearby rolling hills as a backdrop. The course really does celebrate Kamloops. And being a math professor at TRU, I’m thrilled to be part of an event that supports our athletes.”

The Kamloops Marathon Expo is scheduled for noon to 6 p.m. at the McArthur Island Sports Centre on marathon day.