Cross-country runners can be a bit like the old mail service motto — neither rain, nor snow nor sleet will stop them from making their committed rounds.
Approximately 100 runners are expected to participate in the 23rd annual Okotoks cross-country race at Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School (STS) Nov. 24 at noon.
The run was initially started by the godfather of Okotoks running, Richard Ellum, 23 years ago on fields just west of town. However, when ultra-marathon runner Gary Glover moved to the area, the former STS teacher suggested the run be moved out to the school approximately 8 km northwest of Okotoks.
“I didn’t start the race,” Glover said. “Richard started it on a farm west of town by the old IGA. One year it got so darn cold they moved it in town because it was so cold. I recommended we move it to Strathcona-Tweedsmuir the next year.”
Glover was the cross-country coach for the STS Spartans during his tenure, building up a strong tradition of running that continues today. The Okotoks race is part of the Calgary cross-country series in, however, runners do not have to be members of the series to participate in the Okotoks race.
“I think compared to the runs in Calgary it is a bit easier, but it is still not a giveaway,” Glover said. “I always thought that was part of the appeal. I think even the hardcore guys like it.”
He also said the trails are wider than typical cross-country trails, which takes away some of the congestion often occurring in cross-country races.
If a runner does start to tucker out, they should take a look at the scenery. It will take their breath away — in a good way, not from chugging up a hill.
“Just go out there and have some fun,” said the 61-year-old Glover, who finished first in the his age category in the 100km Lost Souls race in Lethbridge in September finishing in a time of 15 hours and 57 minutes. “The weather is the great unknown. You want to start a little cold but you will warm up as you run. You don’t want to get too warm.”
The event consists of two races either 4 km or 8 km. He said because the 8 km run consists of two loops of four kilometres, runners can shed some clothing if they get too warm.
When they finish either the 4 km or 8 km run, they will have hot soup waiting for them.
Volunteers with the Big Rock Runners, who organize the STS run, will be making homemade soup for the runners and volunteers. It’s a green meal.
“We ask the runners to bring their own bowl and spoon and we will supply the soup,” said Big Rock Runner Shelly Vold, the race coordinator. “The runners often bring the dessert. It’s got a real friendly potluck feel to it.”
The soup will be served at the Okotoks Recreation Centre after the run.
It’s been a win-win relationship for the Big Rock Runners. STS provides a scenic facility for the run, while the Big Rock Runners have provided some sweat equity.
“We cleared some bush for the school to create some new trails,” Vold said. “We have had a really good relationship with the school.”
It’s an informal fun run. Registration takes place between 10:45 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Saturday a STS. Both the 4 km and 8 km runs start at noon.
There is a free 1 km fun run for children prior to the noon race.
The cost of the run is $10 for non-members of the cross-country series.
For more information about the run go to the Big Rock Runners website at www.bigrockrunners.com and click on “cross country” or email Vold at [email protected]
