The soul of Langford was on full display on Sunday morning as more than 700 runners, first responders, family, friends and supporters arrived at Starlight Stadium to be a part of the annual Sarah Beckett Memorial Run. The run is a family-focused event that commemorates Beckett, a West Shore RCMP officer killed when her cruiser was struck by a drunk driver in 2016.
Const. Mark Hall, who was helping out at the event, said that he had known Beckett and was heartened at the fact that people remember her for the special person she was and are willing to come out to show their remembrance of her sacrifice and their support for the host of first responders who continue to serve the community.
“It’s touching and very inspiring. She was a very special person, and the level of support that we see here today is really very special,” he said.
Race director Elyse Patten said that she sees the race as a way to keep Beckett’s name alive and to honour the amazing work that she did in the community.
“I worked with Sarah and was her friend, and it’s wonderful that we come together to honour the work she did in the community and remember her for the special person that she was,” said Patten
Starlight Stadium took on a festive atmosphere of community celebration that transcended the serious and tragic origin of the event.
Firefighters were there in force, some of them operating a barbecue tent that served up food for the crowd, and there was a merchandise tent, a jovial balloon artist making creations for the wee ones, while mascots roamed the crowd providing photo opportunities for smiling runners and their supporters.
Brad Aschenbrenner, Beckett’s widower, ran the course with their sons and was moved by the level of community support.
“This goes to show the heart of this community,” said Aschenbrenner. “We come together to look out for one another, and it’s also a special day for the first responders who put their lives on the line every day. Not many people understand that.”
The scheduling of the run for Mother’s Day also means a lot to Aschenbrenner.
“Beyond being a dedicated police officer, Sarah was a very special mother to our sons. It’s really fitting that we remember her on Mother’s Day. This run is about giving kids a place in the world.”
All the proceeds from the event will be going to the Boys and Girls Club of South Vancouver Island and the Goldstream Food Bank.
