Presented by
NEWS & RELEASES >> 2004
In this section:
Apr 12/04 - Local politician's
"foolish" athletic history comes to light
Mar 30/04 - Course record lowered by more than
four minutes at 26th April Fool's Run
Mar
29/04 - April Fool's Run (on www.coastalscenes.ca)
Mar 16/04 - More than 400 Fools ready to run
Mar 09/04 - Next registration deadline
approaching, Register now & save $$
Feb 17/04 - 2003 Half-Marathon numbers surpassed
with more than 5 weeks to go
Feb 02/04 - Record numbers predicted for April
Fool's Run 2004
Jan 14/04 - Half Marathon Training Clinic starts January 31st
For immediate release - April 12, 2004
Local politician's "foolish" athletic history comes to light
Flashback to 1978 - April 1st and the inaugural April Fool's Run, 19 starters and 13 finishers, among them the race founders George Matthews and Fran Berger. Nothing new there. But here's a little surprise - the race was won by then-UBC zoology student Adrian Belshaw, in a very respectable 1hr 30 minutes. It's true! See the photo at www.foolsrun.com/history/hist1978.htm, along with other photos and articles from the first April Fool's Run, kindly provided to the race organizers by 2004 participant Joanie Proske, an Elphi grad who also ran in 1978 (and for several years following). It's quite the story, including the tale about the editor who secretly entered his son in the race to take his place, who subsequently slept in... and the comedic results that followed.
The race organizers would love to hear from anyone else who ran in early editions of the April Fool's Run - stories, photos, results, saved newspaper clippings - to build on the history page and a file of past results. Contact Teresa or Larry at 886-7786 or foolsrun@telus.net. They would also like to invite all previous winners to come back and run in 2005 - including Belshaw of course. Adrian, you have a year to train!
- 30 -
March 30, 2004 - Race Story
Submitted by Teresa Nightingale
See Results page for post-event article.
For immediate release - March 16, 2004
More than 400 Fools ready to run
Gibsons BC - April Fool's Run registrations have surpassed the 400 mark, with 354 individual entrants and 50 relay participants signed up as of March 16. Demographics now include 1 entrant from Quebec, a dozen from Alberta, and a handful from California. Expect a flood of runners on the highway and Lower Road / Beach Ave on the morning of March 28 - drivers please be cautious and avoid hitting the traffic cones which will mark the route.
A few volunteer positions are still available - for a free t-shirt and brunch and chance to win prizes, please call Teresa at 886-7786 by March 25th. Be an ambassador for the Sunshine Coast - many of the runners are first-time visitors!
A reminder that online registration closes at midnight March 23. Entries can be dropped off at the Medicine Shoppe until March 26. After that, late registration and package pickup is at the Cedars Inn in Gibsons from 3-5 on March 27 and 7:45-8:45 on race morning at Gibsons Park Plaza, unit #119 (far corner).
For those who are running, remember to take it easy in the final week of training - now is definitely NOT the time to cram in some extra miles or workouts! Reducing workload before a competition is called "tapering" and is most important for the longer-distance events. As the week progresses, cut back your mileage, instead doing a few short relaxed intervals that don't leave you tired. E.g. start with 6 x 1 minute at the beginning of the week (along with an easy warm-up and cool-down), then 4 x 1 mid-week, then 2 x 1 on Friday. You will be feeling refreshed and raring to go for the race.
A few last minute tips: Get lots of sleep 2 nights before the race (don't stress if you don't sleep well the night before); drink plenty of water in the last couple of days; eat a high-carbohydrate meal the evening before (complex carbs!); don't wear brand new shoes; double-knot your laces; eat a light breakfast on race day; don't try anything new for race day; dress a bit lighter than for training; do the first mile SLOWER than your intended average pace; and most important - loosen up, relax and enjoy your run!!
- 30 -
For immediate release - March 9, 2004
Next registration deadline approaching - Register now and save $$
Gibsons BC - Less than 3 weeks to go and the April Fool's Run registrations have easily exceeded last year's total. A total of 319 individual half-marathoners are now signed up, plus eight 2-person relays and four 4-person relays, for a grand total of 350. Shirt sizes are selling out quickly - only a few sizes left to choose from. Check website for availability.
This Sunday, March 14th is the deadline for ordering post-race brunch tickets. The race and relay fees also go up after the 14th so now's the time to enter! Register on-line or pick up entry forms at SCCU branches, Trail Bay Source for Sports, and many other locations on the Sunshine Coast, print one from www.foolsrun.com, or clip from the March 6th or 20th Coast Reporter. Register in person at the Medicine Shoppe in Wilson Creek or on-line until March 24th. After that, come to late registration & packet pickup at the Cedars Inn March 27 (3-5pm) or race morning at Gibsons Park Plaza, Unit 119.
Runners can fuel up for the race at a pasta dinner at the Redwoods Restaurant (Cedars Inn) in Gibsons on Saturday evening March 27th. The Cedars Inn has been taking many bookings from off-coast participants for race weekend, so arrive early for dinner!
The age group awards for this year's event will showcase three local artisans who specialize in pottery. First place prizes are being made by Poplar Studio, second place by Many Moons Pottery, and third place by Fran Miller. The designs are customized for the April Fool's Run, and no two pieces will be identical, with variations in colours and artwork. Each of the top three male and females in each age division will take home one of these practical works of art.
And of course, all participants who attend the awards ceremony are eligible to win great random draw prizes provided by Trail Bay Source for Sports, the Running Room, and a number of local and non-local businesses.
Organizers still have positions available for volunteers, who will receive brunch, a t-shirt and a chance at prizes; please call Teresa at 604-886-7786 to sign up.
- 30 -
For immediate Release - February 17, 2004
2003 Half-Marathon numbers surpassed with more than 5 weeks to go
Gibsons BC - Entries for the April Fool's Run have been pouring in over the last two weeks. As of February 17th the total stands at 240 entrants: 224 individual half-marathoners and six relay teams. With over five weeks until race day March 28th, the number of individual entrants already equals the number who finished last year's race. At this rate, organizers predict that the 500 limit for the half-marathon will be reached before race day (there is no limit to the number of teams that can enter).
Last year's women's winner Rene McKibbin of Delta is confirmed to return for 2004 and defend her title. She recently placed 4th in the Ice-Breaker 8k in Steveston Feb 1st, showing early-season fitness. Locally, Nöelline Bellemare's recent personal best of 1:40:10 in the 'First Half' Half Marathon makes her the repeat favourite for the women's George Matthews Memorial Award, presented to the top local male and female finishers each year.
Early bird entry deadline has passed, but shirts can still be ordered when entering. Check www.foolsrun.com for availability of sizes. Don't wait long, as they will sell out quickly.
The Sunshine Coast Half Marathon Training Clinic has been progressing well, with the beginner group scheduled for a 1 hour long run this weekend, and the intermediates doing 1hr 35. Schedules are posted each week on the race website.
The organizers are looking for more volunteers to help out on race day. Volunteers receive a souvenir T-shirt, food, and chance to win prizes, plus the appreciation of 500+ participants - please sign up at www.foolsrun.com or call Teresa at 886-7786.
- 30 -
For Immediate Release - February 2, 2004
Record numbers predicted for April Fool's Run 2004
Gibsons BC - Early registration indicates record participation for the 2004 April Fool's Run Half-Marathon and Relay. As of February 2nd, 105 runners have already signed up to run from Gibsons to Sechelt on Sunday, March 28th. This is a 3400% increase over the numbers at this time last year.
Building on last year's success, word from Lower Mainland running stores is that "everyone is buzzing about the race." The 2004 individual half-marathon will be capped at 500 runners, to ensure that supplies such as bib numbers and finisher's medals don't run out on race day.
While most of the early registrants are from the Lower Mainland and five are from Alberta, a sizable group of local runners have also signed up. Nineteen of the 105 current registrants are taking part in the inaugural Fool's Run Training Clinic, an 8-week programme which started January 31st. Beginner and intermediate level groups meet every Saturday morning at Trail Bay Source for Sports for a 30 minute information session followed by a group run. Clinic space is available for additional runners - call 886-7786 or come to Trail Bay Source for Sports at 9am on Saturday to register.
New for the 2004 Fool's Run will be a catered hot buffet brunch and awards ceremony in Gibsons, at the Elphinstone Secondary gymnasium - featuring live entertainment from the Coast's own Reg & Lynne Dickson. Runners will be bussed back to Gibsons after finishing in Sechelt, with the advantage of free access to showers and hot tubs at the Gibsons Pool, plus showers at the Elphi gym.
These new features will add to the fun enjoyed by last year's entrants. A relay team member from the Richmond Kajaks Track & Field Club recently informed the organizers, "We'll be coming over again in March with several teams - it's a highlight of our year, and 2003 was by far the best ever!"
To register or volunteer for the April Fool's Run, visit www.foolsrun.com or pick up a brochure at local businesses including Trail Bay Source for Sports, Sunshine Coast Credit Union branches, MarketPlace IGA stores, and the Medicine Shoppe in Wilson Creek. First deadline is coming up February 15th to get the early bird rate and guarantee shirt size, so sign up today.
- 30 -
For more information contact:
Teresa & Larry Nightingale
Tel/Fax 604-886-7786
Email foolsrun@telus.net
Website www.foolsrun.com
For immediate release - January 14, 2004
Half Marathon Training Clinic for April Fool's Run starts January 31st
All runners on the Sunshine Coast who are thinking of running the April Fool's Run on March 28th are invited to sign up for the first ever April Fool's Half Marathon Training Clinic in preparation for the event. With both beginner and intermediate levels, the 8-week program will combine Saturday morning group runs and information sessions with a day-to-day training schedule and tracking log for the rest of the week.
The first session is on January 31st, with the training program concluding on race weekend. The Saturday clinics will be run out of Trail Bay Sports in Sechelt, starting at 9:00 am and ending at approx. 11 am. Coaches Larry and Teresa Nightingale will begin each session with information on selected running topics such as injury prevention, shoe selection, interval training, etc. then lead group runs around Sechelt.
Beginner level is for those who have not completed a half-marathon before or just prefer to run at a slower pace, while intermediate level is for more experienced runners wishing to improve their half-marathon performance.
Cost is only $50 and includes April Fool's Run registration and souvenir technical shirt. Pick up clinic registration forms at Trail Bay Sports, as well as The Medicine Shoppe and branches of the Sunshine Coast Credit Union, or download from www.foolsrun.com.
For more information please contact Teresa or Larry at 604.886.7786 or foolsrun@telus.net, or visit www.foolsrun.com.