It’s billed as one of the more picturesque races in the Lower Mainland, as runners and walkers will trade running on the asphalt for running through the beautiful and panoramic views in Kanaka Creek Regional Park on Sunday for the 20th anniversary of the Vistas Run-Walk.
The event includes a number of different events to appeal to anyone who wants to come out and support the Maple Ridge Hospice Society.
It includes a beautiful 10- and five-kilometre routes through Kanaka Creek park, and also has a four-kilometre family fun walk.
Mark Vosper, executive director at the Maple Ridge Hospice Society, says it’s also an incredible day with lots of laughter and energy, but this year is even more special given it is the 20th anniversary.
“It’s a huge achievement in and of itself,” Vosper said. “What we find is a lot of people come to run and share their stories and perhaps run in the memory of a loved one who may have left.”
He says they are on pace to set record numbers, and over 165 people have already signed up to run one of the two races, as well as the family walk. Out-of-town numbers are up, and he’s expecting a boost on Sunday from local residents who want to take part.
“A bulk of them doing the five kilometre or ten kilometre races,” he said. “What we’ve found is that a lot more people come and register on the day of.
“It’s going to be lovely weather, it should be nice and sunny on Sunday so we’re really lucky this year.”
Vosper says all the money raised stays in the hospice society so the independent charity can offer free end-of-life and bereavement society to people of all ages in both their resource centre and at McKenney Creek Hospice Residence.
“We’re celebrating who we’ve cared for and who we’ve lost,” Vosper says.
“It’s a fantastic way to pay tribute to a loved one you may have lost.”
He said it’s important to get the word out about support and the fact that no one has to grieve in silence; the Hospice Society says “grief has no timeline.”
Vosper is encouraging people to sign up for the race and to come out and support everyone who partakes.
• The race starts at 9 a.m. with check-in time between 8:15 and 8:45 a.m.