September 10 is race day, and the Dinosaur Valley Half Marathon is on course, albeit a new course, for a great event.
The event, which includes a 5K family fun walk and run, as well as a 10K run and a full 21K half marathon, takes competitors through a tour of the river valley, and into the badlands. This year it will be even more badlands focused with a new route.
The organizers of the race learned their previous route, which centred at the Badlands Community Facility, would not be usable because of the ongoing flood mitigation work in downtown Drumheller. They pivoted, and now the Midland Community Hall will be the base for the race.
“We had to dramatically change the course due to the ongoing construction,” said race organizer Morgan Syvertsen.
“I actually like it better. The 5 and 10k runners actually get to run the pathway to McMullen Island, and 10K runners get to go to the Royal Tyrrell Museum and back. They have never done that before, so they are getting to see a much
different part of the valley, more beautiful, I think.”
The half marathon course will closely mirror the 10K course and complete the loop twice.
He notes it will feel like a much bigger race with more runners on the path at one time.
Syvertsen says the popularity of the event hasn’t waned, even through COVID-19, and already there are more than 400 registered over all of the events. The Dinosaur Valley Half Marathon has become a destination run for many. It attracts both local runners, and from around the province. A quick look at the registration shows runners from all over Western Canada, and as far away as Nova Scotia and even Texas.
Registration is open, and that wishing to participate can go to www.dinosaurhalf.com. Race package pick-up is at Midland Hall on September 8 and 9.
For more information, go to www.dinosaurhalf.com.
