April 9, 2014 Message
Hello Everyone!
With just four weeks until the Winnipeg Police Service Half Marathon 10th Anniversary race, your volunteer committee is getting very excited. We`re all working hard on a number of contingency plans to ensure that this mile-stone race provides the very best experience for every runner.
I know some of you ... OK, some of us ... oh alright I continue to worry that all the snow will be gone by race day. I keep reminding myself that we were in the same boat last year and it all worked out!
We have been assured by the Assiniboine Park Conservatory that, in the event there is still snow, they will clear an area for our tent setup. We remain hopeful that with the warmer temperatures and a great forecast our prospects improve every day. Be assured that our amazing committee is doing everything humanly possible to make this the best race ever. We have a proud record of getting it done right!
I encourage you to follow us on Twitter (@wpshalfmarathon), Facebook (WPS Half Marathon & Relay) and visit our web site for the latest information about the race.
I also wanted to remind you that when you fundraise, you can get your registration refunded AND you can win a trip and entry fee into any marathon or half marathon in Canada or continental United States.
By raising $225 a half marathon participant can get their registration refunded. Visit our web site for all the details. When any runner raises $500 or more before the race they will be entered into a draw to win two round-trip tickets to any race in Canada or the U.S. and the entry fee into the race as long as you qualify for it. That's a $3,000 value!
What a great way to help Manitoba cancer patients and their family and save yourself a few dollars at the same time. Staff from the Canadian Cancer Society will be on hand at the kit pick-up and on race day to collect and process the funds raised. If you have any questions about the fundraising, please contact Patric at pdacquay@mb.cancer.ca
Now for some race details. We have an official race hotel; the Holiday Inn West, at the corner of Portage and Moray. It is offering a great rate for our participants. It is a great location, in fact you will run or walk right by it! More information is just a click away!
Kit pick-up is set for Friday May 2, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday May 3, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Please note there is no race day kit pick up! The location will be the WPS Training Academy at 130 Allard Ave. You can pick up other people's packages as well. There is some cool merchandise again this year, some specifically for year NUMBER 10!! We will also accommodate all race transfers there as well.
I want to stress something for all runners. I want everyone - especially the Relay Runners - to make sure you pay particular attention to the limitations and directions that come with your timing chips. If you do not follow them, the chip will not be read properly and that is lousy!
There will be specific race directions/rules in your kit, but give yourself lots of time by arriving nice and early so you have time to warm up, use the washroom, and get your gear dropped at the 'Dry Clothing' tent.
The Canadian Forces fly-past is back again for this year weather permitting and we are very happy to welcome them back. What a great way to start the race!
As we head towards race day, I can't tell you how proud I am to have been a part of this race for 10 years! Sometimes, the challenges get frustrating, (like the dockworkers strike in Vancouver that has a container with our secret finishers gift stuck in the Pacific Ocean!) but it will all seem so rewarding for our whole team when we start seeing the smiling faces cross that finish line!
Good luck with the last few weeks of training. This has been a horrible year for outdoor running, but as I look at the forecast, we can all be outside very soon! As always, please email any questions to us at questions@wpshalfmarathon.ca, or if about fundraising, email Patric at pdacquay@mb.cancer.ca
Nick Paulet
Your Proud Race Director