It has been confirmed there will be a running road race in Drumheller this fall, and it has Community Futures' name written all over it.
Community Futures in Drumheller is the naming sponsor for the event, officially called the Community Futures Big Country Dinosaur Valley Half Marathon. It is scheduled for Sunday, September 12, and is the first of what is planned to become an annual event.
“In celebration of our 25th year of operation as Community Futures, we are more than pleased to be able to help launch this first annual road race. Our goal is to create yet another event that will attract athletes and spectators to the area in our shoulder season,” said Wayne Hove general manager of Community Futures.
The tag line for the Dinosaur Half is “Run Drumheller…It’s in your backyard.”
The challenging, but scenic 21 kilometre race is open to all runners of all abilities. It starts at the Little Church and heads directly north up the gravel hill to Fox Coulee, and then will head east past the airport. It will proceed down into the valley where it will join up with Highway 9, travel down the “North Hill” into Drumheller, and then head back west to end at the Royal Tyrrell Museum. Spectators will have a great opportunity to view the race along Dinosaur Trail.
Coordinating chair and avid runner Colin Kloot said the event is long overdue.
“I have been dreaming of staging a race in Drumheller for some years,” said Kloot. “Thanks to Wayne Hove and Community Futures, this dream will become a reality. The course is very challenging and highlights all aspects of our community, of fering views of the valley, grain fields, the oldest oil jacks in the area, The Handhills and of course, Dinosaur Trail.”
He adds, all profits will be donated to the Badlands Community Facility.
There are categories for all ages and prizes will be awarded to the first three runners in:
• Male and female runners 18 and younger
• Male and female 19 through 39
• Male and female 40 through 49
• Male and female 50 through 59
•Male and female 60 and older