Those wanting to take on the Dinosaur Valley Marathon have until August 15 to register to guarantee they receive race day shirt.
This is the sixth year for the event, and the second year for the full marathon coming September 13. Registration has been open since April, and they are looking for a successful turnout.
Race organizer Colin Kloot said they would like to see the numbers grow this year. There are four races that runners can take in including the full marathon, the half marathon, a 10k road race and a 5 k family walk and run.
While many wait for the last minute to register, especially for the fun family run, numbers in general are down.
“The numbers are down significantly compared to last year. With the 5k, many locals register at the last minute, but we need people sign up,” sad Kloot.
He adds that race numbers are down at events throughout Alberta, and could be related to the economic slowdown.
As of press time, there were 15 confirmations for the marathon, 98 for the half marathon, 82 for the 10k and 39 for the 5k.
“The deadline to register is the day before the race, but the deadline to be guaranteed a shirt is August 15,” said Kloot.
This is the second year for the marathon, and Kloot said they have changed a route after the inaugural run.
“We kind of reversed it. We used to run up Verdant Valley Road and then down the gravel road into Rosedale. Now they go along the 5k route, to Wayne, and then back up the gravel road and west on Verdant Valley road,” said Kloot.
“It is a nice route and what it does it clears Highway 10 early in the morning. Before the traffic picks up,” he said.
The other changes are brand new medals this year for all distances.
Registration is open. Those wishing to sign up can go to www.dinosaurhalf.com and follow the links.
To make the run smooth, the committee is in need of volunteers. For more information or how to get involved, contact Becky Kowalchuk at 403-820-6202.
