Victorians will hit the pavement for a good cause at the GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon and West Shore runners are encouraged to join in.
The marathon consists of a full marathon, half-marathon, eight-kilometre road race and a kids run, each starting around the legislative buildings in Victoria’s Inner Harbour. The event raises money for local charities, including KidSport and the GoodLife Kids Foundation.
For the third year, Colwood’s Pacific Centre Family Services Association will be one of the charities to benefit from the event, and this year organizers hope to have 45 runners to represent the 45th year of the agency.
“They don’t have to do the full marathon,” executive director Mitzi Dean said.
“We’re really wanting to advocate on behalf of the West Shore community.”
The association works towards encouraging healthy living and offers education, programming and counselling related to youth, addictions, families and women dealing with abuse, among others.
Anyone is welcome to join the team, and as incentive the agency offers a runner’s package. Organizers will also run a booth during the Oct. 13 event.
“It’s great fun,” Dean said. “The whole centre of Victoria comes alive. … For us it makes sense because it’s all about health and well being, and that’s what our organization’s mission is all about, it’s about health and dignity.”
Money is raised through pledges and the agency is willing to help runners raise money through publicity.
To join the team, register online at runvictoriamarathon.com and pick Pacific Centre Family Services Association as your charity. To become actively involved with the team, contact Dean at 250-478-8357.
