The TC10K will feature an additional distance for 2014. It was announced today that a Half Marathon will be added and become an annual event on the TC10K weekend. The 25th Anniversary of the TC10K takes place on Sunday, April 27.
Brent Fougner, President of the Victoria International Running Society (VIRS), made the announcement about the Half Marathon, explaining that it is the goal of VIRS to promote a healthy, active lifestyle by expanding opportunities for participants under the umbrella of the TC10K. “The Half Marathon will start at the University of Victoria in Centennial Stadium, join the TC10K route at Memorial and Dallas Road at Ross Bay Cemetery and follow the TC10K Route to finish in front of the Legislative Buildings,” Fougner explained. “We will be announcing the course in a few days but we can say that it will go through Oak Bay and take in some of Victoria’s iconic views and neighbourhoods. It will also be a net-downhill course so we should get some fast times.” The event will be capped at 1,500 and registration will open on Friday, January 31st at noon.
The TC10K will feature a wave start for the first time to ease congestion at the start line on Government Street. Participants – except elite runners – will also have their results recorded on chip time and not gun time. “We have listened to feedback from the participants, volunteers and our partners and are excited with the changes we are making,” said Cathy Noel, General Manager of VIRS. All TC10K finishers will also receive a medal. “We wanted to make this a memorable experience and achievement for everyone by rewarding the months of training with a finishers medal.”
Noel also announced that the prize purse is increased to $16,750 to include the Half Marathon. “We are also introducing an accumulative course record prize for the 10K – if the $1,000 course record for male and female runners isn’t broken this year, it will be rolled over to next year and subsequent years,” she added. Other changes include an online pledge system, in partnership with Race Online, to help charities raise more funds, and an expanded Race Expo at Crystal Gardens to include a teams night and volunteer training and recognition evening.
The TC10K has over 3,300 registered to date and with the Early Bird deadline approaching at midnight on January 31st this number is expected to rise. You can enter as an individual or as part of a team in either the Corporate, School or Sport Team categories. Over 350 teams took part in 2013. “Participation in 2013 was made up of 50 percent individuals and 50 percent teams, and all you need is a minimum of 10 to a team. There are over 20 team categories to choose from,” said Noel.
The TC10K is Canada’s second largest 10-kilometre race. In 2013, 12,288 registered for the 10-kilometre race and the Thrifty Foods 1.5K Family Run. To register go to www.tc10k.ca.
