For Immediate Release
Grab Your family and Run!
Event organizers team up so families can play together
Tuesday, April 11th (Whistler, BC) – Organizers of the Whistler Valley Trail Run and the Whistler Triathlon Club have teamed up to host two days of family fun and fitness on May 27th and May 28th. Unofficially dubbed as “Family Race Weekend in Whistler” the Tri Club’s 2nd Annual Kids of Steel Race will kick off the weekend on the Saturday. On Sunday morning runners of all ages (with or without family in tow) will hit the paths for the 15th Annual Whistler Valley Trail Run. The two events will cap off Family Week in our community from May 22nd – 28th.
Following last year’s Kids of Steel (KOS) race a brainstorming session was held to discuss what could happen “the next time” to improve the triathlon. As thoughts and comments flew around, an idea was proposed to create a fun, participation weekend for families that tied together KOS and the Whistler Valley Trail Run. The idea made sense, especially since there is a movement in Whistler to promote family happenings as well as health, wellness and fitness initiatives that bring our community together and visitors to the resort. A handful of discussions later and the rest is history in the making.
The 2nd Annual Kids of Steel (KOS) race features age groupings from 8 – 16+ years old and will be held at the Meadow Park Sports Centre. According to KOS Race Director Marie-Anne Prevost, there are few kids’ events on the yearly triathlon calendar so the Whistler Tri Club’s race is important for developing participation in sport. "Last year's race was a tremendous success even though it was a bit chilly (in October)!”, comments Prevost, “We are looking forward to another great turn out of kids (55 at the inaugural race) and volunteers as well as a fun and safe event for the community."
The 15th Annual Whistler Valley Trail Run (WVTR) has something old and something new this year for everyone. Back are the 5km & 10km routes for walkers, runners and baby joggers; the Teddy Bear Trot (kids 10 and under) sponsored by the Mountain Adventure Centre; and for the second year the Kids Drop Zone (pre-registered childminding for toilet trained 3 – 8 year olds) hosted by the Westin Resort & Spa, RMOW and Dynamic Core Fitness. New additions include online registration, reduced entry fees, accommodation packages for out-of-town participants, a new charity for race proceeds (the Community Foundation of Whistler) and a special Family Rate (mom and/or dad plus children) so the whole clan can walk or run together.
To learn more about both events and to register online or download mail-in entry forms visit their websites at www.whistlertriclub.ca and www.whisltervalleytrailrun.org.
Volunteers are needed for the race weekend so if you would like to be a part of the action do check out the volunteer information sections on both websites (Psst! Volunteer efforts will be thanked with a combined party at the Westin Resort & Spa on Sunday, May 28th).
KOS would like to thank their sponsors: RDC Fine Homes, RMOW, The Westin Resort & Spa, The Body Shop, Whistler Real Estate Company and Pique Newsmagazine
WVTR would also like thank the following businesses & individuals for their support: RMOW, Mountain Adventure Centre, Eyedeas, Road Sign ID, S2S Marketing, Stoney Creek Resort Property Management, Westin Resort & Spa and Dynamic Core Fitness.
To find out more about the Community Foundation of Whistler please visit them at www.whistlerfoundation.com.