For 13 weeks, the Rupert Runners have been training their muscles, minds and spirits for an hour three times per week in preparation for this day.
The Crest Glory Days five km and 10 km race is the climax to the Runners' Learn to Run program that sees members increase their endurance level week-by-week so they can take on the 10 km that awaits them this Saturday.
"We start in February and run until the Glory Days in May. However, we do have individuals who participate in the club and some of our coaches who continue to run on various days during the week where people are more than welcome to join us," said race organizer Amber Sheasgreen.
The five km walk will begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, followed by the five km and 10 km run at 10:00 a.m.
The route starts at the Crest Hotel before turning towards the waterfront at Mariner's Park, then running through Cow Bay to George Hills Way, making its way to 4th Ave. and settling back at the Crest.
Over 100 runners signed up last year and Sheasgreen expects the number to be in the same neighbourhood this time around.
"I find that it is slightly more attended [compared to the year's other races]. I don't know if it's because it has a shorter component to it, but also it's getting the opportunity to spend a little bit more time getting into running, usually with nicer weather and we do have at least 20 of our participants from the Learn to Run program," said Sheasgreen.
The Rupert Runners held their 33rd annual half-marathon April 13, and the digital clock the club books will be back to time their runs.
"We usually have one official water table and ... another unofficial water table [along the way of the route]," explained Sheasgreen.
"We have doorprizes and an awards ceremony."
Since February, the club has been starting their training at Charles Hays school, heading down to the Rotary Waterfront Park and back, but only on certain days.
Each Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, the group divides the workload between a recovery day, a building day and a peak day to challenge their bodies and fitness levels in preparation for the Glory Days.
After the race this Saturday, members usually branch off into unofficial running groups to keep up their cardio dedication.
"It's not as structured but we continue to run a few times a week and people are welcome to join us for whatever we're doing," said Sheasgreen.
A map of Saturday's five km and 10 km route can be found on the club's website, along with registering information at www.rupertrunners.com.