North Shore endurance running event returns in support of women's centre

The organizer behind an endurance running event in support of a local drop-in resource centre for women is hopeful more participants will sign up for this year’s virtual run – despite more in-person events making a comeback.

Around 100 runners went the distance last year for the first iteration of Run For The Shore, a virtual fundraiser with runners encouraged to sign up for 100-kilometre-, 50km- or 15km-routes throughout the North Shore backcountry.

Runners were encouraged to complete their routes independently, using the RunGo app which provided turn-by-turn instructions, over a 10-day period in early September.

The event raised more than $13,000 for the North Shore Women’s Centre, according to long-distance runner and event organizer Christina Casperson.

But with more and more people opting to do things in-person and in greater numbers as opposed to keeping their distance, it’s so far been a challenge to get as many runners to sign up for the worthwhile cause this year, said Casperson.

“A lot of races that were cancelled last year are coming back,” she said. “I think, in general, people are just excited to get back into racing as they knew it.”

Still, Run For The Shore is a great way for North Shore runners to give back to their community through an important local non-profit, and the event is an excellent way to experience the backcountry independently or with a friend, she said.

This year’s event features four distance options – 15km, 50km, 100km and an epic 165km – each with a different perspective of the North Shore. All options start and end at Ambleside Beach in West Vancouver.

The basic 15km-route starts at the beach and has runners make their way up Cleveland Dam, weaving along the river trail and through dense rain forest before reaching the apex with great views of the dam and Cleveland Lake.

The 100km and above route features all the usual North Shore treasures you’d imagine – from sections of the Baden Powell, Norvan Falls, to Lynn Canyon and Deep Cove and back.

“What a great way to explore your community,” said Casperson. “Get a couple friends together and spend some days in the trails and make a difference.”

All racers will receive a handmade finisher’s medal, and racers can also register their dogs and receive a finisher’s dog tag, she added.

Runners will have from Sept. 3 to 13 to complete the distance of their choice.

Registration closes on Aug. 20.

Visit the event’s website for more information or to register.