Hundreds of runners and spectators will converge along Sidney's waterfront for the 28th annual Bazan Bay 5K Race on Sunday, April 13.
Organized by Team West Coast Running and Triathlon Society and Saanich Physio, the race marks the final event of the 2025 Frontrunners Island Race Series. Nearly flat the entire course, the Bazan Bay race is one of Canada's fastest 5K routes.
It's all part of the Vancouver Island Race Series, which features eight races from January to April, attracting runners of all levels and promoting running on Vancouver Island. Runners accumulate points throughout the series.
Registration for the Bazan Bay race is open until April 11.
On April 13, the air horn will sound off at 11 a.m. on 5th Street near Tulista Park. Runners will head south on Lochside Drive, past the McTavish Interchange, to the turnaround point 250 meters north of Cy Hampson Park, before returning along the same route.
Race director Rob Hare expects a big turnout and acknowledges the potential for disruption.
"We are anticipating approximately 600 participants in this picturesque event," he said. "We understand this may cause some slight inconvenience, and we are doing our best to keep it to a minimum. We are grateful for the support of the Town of Sidney, the Sidney/North Saanich RCMP, the District of North Saanich and the community."
There are road closures and restrictions in place during the event.
Lochside Drive (both lanes) from Ocean Avenue to Weiler Avenue (race start area) will be closed from 10:45 to 11:05 a.m.
The southbound lane of Lochside Drive will re-open at 11:05 a.m. from Ocean Avenue to the McTavish Interchange. A partial closure is expected – only vehicles turning right are permitted to pass.
From 10:45 to 11:45 a.m., Lochside Drive (both lanes) from the McTavish Interchange to the race turn-around near Cy Hampson Park will be closed to traffic.
The northbound lane of Lochside Drive from the McTavish Interchange to the Tulista Park boat ramp access will also be closed to traffic from 10:45 a.m. to 12:05 p.m.
During the race, streets and driveways on the west side of Lochside Drive will be designated as "right turn only." Throughout the event, only southbound traffic will be permitted to pass.
Marshals and traffic control personnel will be strategically positioned along the race course to direct traffic and address any issues that may arise.
