The response for the first ever Dinosaur Half Marathon has exceed organizers expectations as so far 368 have signed up for the various events of the day.
Since the Community Futures Dinosaur Valley Half Marathon was announced in The Drumheller Mail in its March 31 edition, the momentum has been gaining. Organizers have worked hard to put together a solid core of supporters, volunteers and participants.
According to the latest tally, there are 199 participants signed up for the 21 kilometre run, and another 24 have signed up to walk the course. Also included in the event is a five kilometre family fun event to be staged near The Royal Tyrrell Museum. It has garnered 145 registrants.
The event is seeing entries from all over Western Canada, with a strong local contingent taking part in the event.
One of the organizers Colin Kloot says he is grateful for the support and is looking forward to a successful event. Any funds raised by the Dinosaur Half will be directed towards the Badlands Community Facility.
Along with the races, there will be race day festivities for participants and spectators at the Royal Tyrrell Museum throughout the day. This includes food and refreshments, family entertainment, massage, physiotherapy and health and wellness exhibitors. The awards ceremony will take place at the museum following the event.
The Community Futures Dinosaur Valley Half Marathon is set to go this Sunday, September 12, starting at the Little Church on North Dinosaur Trail. Race packages can be picked up at the Sports Room Source for Sports in downtown Drumheller this Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturday until 6 p.m.
Road racers taking part in the full half marathon can take advantage of a complementary gear check on race day starting at 7 a.m. The race begins at 9 a.m. Those walking the course begin at 8 a.m. Those participating in the 5-kilometre event can check their gear at 8 a.m. The race starts at 9: 15 a.m.
The event will be using trip timing. This is where each participant has a bar code and micro chip to measure timing accurately.
For more information see www.dinosaurhalf.com.
