More than 200 runners are lacing their shoes for the annual Sheep River Road Race this month.
The Big Rock Runners are getting ready for their 39th road race, which begins at St. John Paul II Collegiate in Okotoks on Sept. 16. Runners can opt for a 5K or 10K race, and children can take on a 2K run.
This year, there are two categories for the 2K event to make it a fair race.
“We’ve broken it up into kids under eight and kids from eight to 11, so the younger ones have a chance to compete more that their own level,” said Sheep River Road Race organizer Chuck Holmstrom.
Also new this year is a large inflatable arch at the start/finish line, which adds a little bit to the event, he said.
It’s those types of considerations that make it a great race for the whole family and a good community event, said returning road racer Jackie Heuver. She and her four boys – aged 14, 12, 10 and nine – are entering the race for the fourth time this year.
“I like that it’s a small family run, really,” said Heuver. “It’s nice this is just a small community-oriented race.”
She said she feels comfortable letting her four boys go out on their own during the race. Two of them compete in the 2K, while the older two take on the 5K with her.
“It’s nice knowing I can let them go out and run, and there’s going to be people they know cheering them on, it’s a place they know they’re safe, rather than heading into the city,” said Heuver. “I wouldn’t be as comfortable letting them go and do their own thing there.”
Heuver said her children come by their love of running honestly. She used to enter races all over the place, from Calgary to Disneyland and Disney World.
Her boys decided they enjoyed running as well, and began joining run clubs at school and going out fairly regularly. Sometimes it’s a family affair, though as the kids get older things have changed a little, she said.
“We try to get out as a family and do some runs, although my older two are now faster than me so they’re not as keen to run with mom anymore,” said Heuver. “That’s another great thing about this race – it’s something we can do together, but still each do our own thing and keep our own pace.”
There’s also an element of charity associated with the Sheep River Road Race.
Holmstrom said an anonymous donor has pledged $1 toward the Okotoks Family Resource Centre for every person registered in the run.
“Or course anyone who wants to donate as well, they’re more than welcome to make those contributions,” he said.
Chad Ruston, president of the Big Rock Runners, said the Sheep River Road Race is also a fundraiser for the running club, providing funds to a scholarship it gives away each year.
“It’s a $500 cash award based on recommendations from the coach and a teacher, really focused around distance-running kids, but also about sportsmanship and teamwork,” said Ruston. “It’s someone who’s a good teammate and someone who’s coachable, that’s kind of what we’re looking for.”
For more information or to register in the Sheep River Road Race, visit www.bigrockrunners.com.
