The Drumheller RCMP is reminding residents school is back in session. Last Wednesday, students headed back to class for the first day of the 2013/2014 school year.

Drumheller RCMP will have an increased presence in Drumheller’s school zones over the next couple weeks to help remind motorists school is back in session. School zones are marked by fluorescent yellow signs (above) and are in effect from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on school days.

    Over the next several weeks, RCMP will be increasing patrols and enforcement in and near school zones .
    “We’re asking people to drive with care and caution and be watchful of the increase in pedestrians, especially at major intersections near schools and during school hours,” said Drumheller RCMP Staff Sergeant Art Hopkins. “Generally, during the first part of the year, we do what we can to be more visible in the school zones. People just have to get back into the swing of things.”
    School zones are marked by pentagon-shaped fluorescent yellow signs depicting a boy and girl walking. School zones are generally in effect from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on school days (Monday to Friday). Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit in school zones is 30 kilometres per hour. Passing other vehicles is not permitted in school zones.
    The Drumheller RCMP is also asking residents to take extra precautions on Friday, during the Tour of Alberta bike race. The race will be in Drumheller roughly the same time as when school is being let out for the day.
     “The bike race will be coming through this area right around when school is getting out, so there probably will be quite a few delays. Plan accordingly,” said Staff Sergeant Hopkins.

    Drumheller’s race-filled weekend continues on Sunday with the Dinosaur Valley Half Marathon.
    Race organizers are asking residents help keep the runners safe by sharing the road during the race. Unlike previous years, the race will be going through residential and commercial areas of Drumheller on the morning of Sunday, September 8.

The Dinosaur Valley Half Marathon is running on Sunday, September 8, starting at 7:00 a.m. Residents are asked to come cheer on the runners and to be careful when driving. Give the runners a lot of room when passing them. Over 500 people have signed up for the race so far.

    “Come out and support the runners and try not to drive when they’re going by. If you do, drive safely and give a lot of room for the runners,” said Colin Kloot, one of the organizers of the Half Marathon.
    For the half marathon and 10K the runners will start at the Badlands Community Facility, run along Riverside Drive, and then turn west on 3rd Avenue, where they will run on the north side of the street to 5th Street West. The race will be downtown between 7 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.
    “We’re asking people to refrain from parking on the north side of the road to give the racers room to run,” said Kloot.
    The runners will also wind their way through Midland. Residents are asked to be vigilant if driving.
    So far, over 500 people have registered for one of the three races. There is still room to register, by either picking up a form at Herman, Kloot & Company in downtown Drumheller, or by signing up the morning of the race.
    For participants of the 5K distance, which goes from the Badlands Community Facility, through the trails, to Drumheller Valley Secondary School, there is a trophy for the best team costume.
    “In the 5K is the costume competition for teams of four people. There’s a trophy for the team with the best costumes,” said Kloot.
    Race packages, for those who have registered, are available at the BCF starting Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., again on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and until 7:30 a.m. on Sunday.
    Organizers are expecting a fun day.
    “It’s going to be a good day,” said Kloot.