With five weeks left in the 13 week Learn to Run program, participants are making strides toward being able to compete in the 10 kilometre Glory Days run in May.
"This is the last recovery week where they still have lots of time to practice, then it will kick up to really get that distance in," Amber Sheasgreen, one of the program's coaches, said.
Learn to Run started in the middle of February, and culminates around the same time as the annual Crest Glory Days running event. The program follows a 13 week gradual walk and run plan developed by the Sport Medicine Council of British Columbia that helps build up partaker's running endurance. The group meets three times a week, with just under 10 experienced runners volunteering their time to act as coaches.
This year more than 80 people registered for the program, with more than half of the participants still regularly attending.
"Some people just want to try running, for some it's their kick-off for the year to lose weight, and others want to get involved and meet runners. We're promoting a healthy lifestyle. Anyone can do it, they just need to set goals for themselves," Sheasgreen said.
"The first time we had a 10 minute lap we had a lot of really nervous people, but at the end we had a lot of good feedback... It's all about pacing yourself."
Registration is now starting for Glory Days, which will take place on May 11, with entry forms available at the Crest Hotel, Farwest Sports or online at www.rupertrunners.com. Those taking part in Glory Days can chose to run five or 10 kilometre run, or five kilometre walk.
But first the 32nd annual Half Marathon and 8 Kilometre race will take place this Sunday starting at the civic centre, with the half marathon starting at 1 p.m. followed by the 8 kilometre at 2 p.m.
People can register up to the morning of the race, however organizers prefer if people do it at least a day prior. The entry fee includes a T-shirt.