The popular Oceanside Mother’s Day 10K and 5K run is just around the corner.
The Oceanside Running Club Association, hosting the event on May 12 in Qualicum Beach, is still working hard to attract more participation this year.
Race director Doug Brown said they don’t know yet how many runners they will have. Currently, they have close to 260 participants, including runners who were part of the 2024 Learn to Run program held last February.
The 10K run is dedicated to avid runners only but for those who want to run and walk, they can enter the 5K event.
The race starts at 10 a.m. at the grounds near the Qualicum Beach Legion Branch 76 located on Veterans Way, the site of the Qualicum Beach’s Saturday Farmers’ Market.
The course is fully paved, utilizing both the popular Dollymount Trail and town streets, providing a safe journey through the urban forests, hobby farms and quiet residential areas of Qualicum Beach. “Once around” for the 5K, and a slightly modified “twice around” for the 10K. Over 70 per cent of the route is shaded, a great bonus should it be warm day.
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The rate to enter is $35 by midnight May 8 via RaceRoster.com. On race day, registration will go up to $40 and is subject to the number of entries.
Brown indicated the race has again garnered the support of the businesses in Parksville Qualicum Beach as well as the hospitality of the community through donations of goods and services, including a large selection of draw prizes.
The QB Legion Branch 76 grill team will be out offering hamburgers and adult beverages from 11 a.m. (cash only).
Brown said they also need more volunteers to help out in different capacities to ensure the smooth staging of the event.
Please contact the race director or ORCA to sign up for volunteering or go to www.ORCArunning.ca.