The seventh race in the Frontrunners Island Race Series – Merville 15K – will take place on Sunday, April 12 at 11 am. There will also be an early start at 10:30 am for slower runners and walkers. The race, hosted by the River Runners, will start at the junction of Poulton Road and Merville Road.

Runners can register online until noon, Thursday April 9 at www.vira.bc.ca, or on race day at Merville Community Hall, 1245 Fenwick Road, from 9:00 to 10:30 am. Race registration until April 9 is $25 for adults and $20 for students. Race day fees are $35 and $30 for students.

The course is a scenic, flat loop at the base of Mt Washington. “We are expecting about 350 runners at Merville this year,” says Race Director, Linda Nagle. “Parking is going to be a challenge. Due to construction at the hall, the parking space behind the hall has been drastically reduced. In addition there will be no parking on the west side of the highway between the hall and the Merville store – for participant safety. There is additional parking in a gravel lot across from the Merville store; in front of Arbutus RV. We encourage racers to park there and walk up to the hall”.

In the club standings the Prairie Inn Harriers lead with 2965 points followed by Comox Valley Road Runners with 1916, and Bastion Running Club with 1274.

Eight races make up the Frontrunners Island Race Series. The last race is Sooke River 10K on April 19, which will be followed by the series awards. All races are sanctioned by BC Athletics.

To register online for the race go to: www.vira.bc.ca. Historical results from races dating back to 1980 from previous race series can be seen on http://pih.bc.ca/results/island-series/Summary.php