This weekend marks the 20th anniversary of the popular foot race, Cochrane Footstock, and what a day it is shaping up to be.
Meredith McMorran, Race Co-Chair has been involved with Footstock for numerous years and is looking forward to this Sunday's (June 2) race day. "I think it's going to be a great event, as it is always, but we are certainly excited about it."
Runners will see a few changes to this year's event, shares McMorran. "As we looked to start planning the event we decided to scale back and we're down to just the 5km and 10km because the numbers were tending to drop over the years, but we are up significantly in our 5km and 10km. In the 5km we have over 150 and over 127 in the 10km. We are doing a mass start for the two races and they are both starting together at 8 a.m. on Sunday, and we think that will definitely cause some excitement with that many runners taking off at the same time."
Even though they scaled back some races due to a drop in participants over the past years, McMorran says this year that hasn't been a concern for organizers at all. "Maybe we just have the right combination of races this year. Hopefully, we haven't discouraged those tried and true people who have loved our duathlon nor we do have a longer race like a half marathon our marathon. We did try the 10-miler last year with limited success, and maybe some people have decided they love Footstock enough that they are happy to just run 5 or 10km."
The other unique characteristic of Footstock is that it is not just an event that brings runners together, it is an event that gives back so much more. In past years, the event has been able to give thousands of dollars back into several organizations, big and small. "A good chunk of our money always goes to the Cochrane Activettes Food Bank and also to the Stoney Nakoda Food Bank. Once again we are really happy to donate funds to Martin Parnell's project Free to Run."
The one race that completely sold out is the extremely popular Kids Triathlon, even with an increase in the number of registrants. "It is a new cap for us, we increased the cap from 400 to 500 and we are now sold out."
Although Footstock is not ATA (Alberta Triathlon Association) sanctioned, it is still one of the larger races offered in Western Canada. "Our number one goal is getting kids to participate, whether they are aspiring adult triathletes or kids that are are first-timers, both are equally important to us. The numbers and the popularity of the race is really a thrill for us, and we love to see how many people turn up."
McMorran is also grateful for the incredible support she receives from numerous organizations and Cochrane businesses year after year. Thanks to businesses like Garmin, Papa John's, and Trailblazers numerous prizes will be awarded at the races, and without in-kind sponsorship, the event would certainly not be the success it is.
Lastly, McMorran says the community is the heart of Footstock, and always will be. "We have a huge donation in the neighbourhood of 250 people in our community that come out to volunteer for the event and literally, without them, the event would not be possible. We could get as many donations as we want from the community, but if we don't have volunteers, the event is a no-go. Number one is the volunteers; and they are always cheerful, smiling, and encouraging and we couldn't ask for more. We are always looking for volunteers, often right up until the last minute, and there are still some spots left."
The 5km and 10km get underway at 8 in the morning while the Kids Tri starts at 10, all races will take place at Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre.
If you would like more information or could help volunteer, you can do so by going HERE.
Tue, May 7, 9:00 AM
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