Runners and walkers are ready to make merry this Sunday with the 37th annual Merrython Fun Run and Walk.
The event begins and ends at the Henderson Recreation Centre and includes an 8K run, a 4K walk and 1K kids’ run.
The kids’ run follows the Henderson chip trail, while the longer routes enjoy scenic loops down through the Uplands and Beach Drive.
“It’s really about community,” says organizer Heather Aked, from the Rotary Club of Oak Bay, which organizes the event. “The majority of the people who come out to run or walk have been coming out for years.”
That said, Aked always encourages new participants to come join the fun.
“It’s not competitive and we try to make it a little bit entertaining,” she says.
“We usually get about 160 people. It would be great to have more.”
Younger participants are also encouraged to come out. “We’ve been trying to expand the kids’ side of the event,” Aked says, noting she hopes to have an Oak Bay fire truck on hand and a visit from Santa.
“The Runners for Compassion will also have a table where people can drop of goods for that,” Aked says.
People can also learn more about Rotary’s activities with information tables on site. The local club meets Tuesdays at noon at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel.
Warm-up begins at 9:45 a.m. under the enthusiastic leadership of the women from Jazzercize.
Proceeds from the Merrython support Rotary’s local projects, such as the information boards at Cattle Point, Aked says,
For Oak Bay Merrython registration, stop by Henderson Recreation Centre or call 250-370-7200.