Twenty years is something to be proud of. Whether it be 20 years or marriage, a sports team reaching its 20th anniversary or Footstock hosting its 20th annual race. The 2019 edition of the Footstock will take place June 2 along the scenic Bow River among other places across Cochrane.
"We are thrilled with the longevity of our event," said event organizer Meredith McMorran. "The participants, volunteers and community sponsors who continue to support our event make it all worthwhile. As for things that are a little different, we are holding a one-day event this year. Footstock 2019 marks the first year that the running races and kids' triathlon are all held at Spray Lake Sawmills Family Leisure Centre. We appreciate the team at SLSFLC who accommodate our race and help us ensure everything runs smoothly."
The race will include three events over the course of the day, in the five-kilometre fun run, the 10-kilometre run both along the Bow River as well as the Kids Triathlon for ages three to 15 at the Jayman Aquatic Centre in Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre. This year will mark the 23rd annual running of the Trevor Dickson Memorial Kids Triathlon which was started in Cochrane three years before the introduction of the Footstock running events which was formerly known as the Cochrane Challenge.
The triathlon will include swimming, cycling and running events that differs in distance depending on the child's age.
Footstock will play host to hundreds of eager race participants, excited fans, and dedicated, enthusiastic volunteers. The race is designed for both fitness enthusiasts and recreational runners who are looking for a fun, yet challenging race.
McMorran said the organizers have taken great pride in the fact that this event has run for the last 20 years and hopes to continue its success. This year's edition will also be a zero waste race where.
"I think I speak for all board members when I say that we have loved organizing the various races and are always so impressed with the athletes who have come to do their best at our 5k, 10k, 10-miler, half marathon, marathon and duathlon over the years," McMorran said. "The event that takes the cake is our kids' triathlon. Once you see the young athletes pushing themselves to complete their first of their fifth Footstock kids' triathlon, you're hooked. It is a wonderful gift to be involved in such a fantastic local event.
"I think we're just keeping up with the times. We have a responsibility to do whatever we can to minimize our on the environment. The Cochrane Eco Centre has provided great support and the Town of Cochrane has the appropriate bins available to make this possible for all community events. We have to change some old habits and come up with new solutions but it's the right thing to do."
McMorran said that there's something for everyone even if you aren't planning on taking part in any of the races.
"All of races give participants a chance to run or cycle on the beautiful pathway system along the Bow River," she said. "Along the way, they'll be greeted by fantastic volunteers who make our event possible. We have some great swag this year and are thankful for the continued support from Garmin Cochrane and the many other Cochrane sponsors who support Footstock."
Those who will be partaking in the race can pick up their race packages on June 1 at the south side of Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
