Whoever breaks the tape at the finish line of the Whistler Half Marathon on June 4 will not only set the course record — they’ll also be taking home some cash.
Organizers of the inaugural event announced a $1,000 prize purse to be split among the top three finishers of both the men’s and women’s race in a Thursday (May 19) press release.
The winner of each division will pick up $250, while the runner-up will take $150 and the third-place finisher $100.
The release also named nine elite runners signed up for the 21.2-kilometre run in and around Whistler Village, which included one former Whistler resident.
Kristina Rody, who once called the resort home but now lives in Burnaby, will be joined by other high-profile women’s runners from B.C. like Care Wakely, Lisa Brooking and Amy Schneeberg.
The elite men’s field will be led by 2010 Royal Victoria Half Marathon winner Jim Finlayson. Other notable entrants include Geoff Reid, Colin Wallace, Edward McCarthy and Shawn Nelson.
“We’ve attracted a number of top runners from across the province,” said race director Dave Clark. “Some of them are course record-holders on other courses, so it’s really great for a first-year event to get the magnitude of elite runners we have. We’re really excited about that.”
Clark said organizers are still looking for event volunteers. Check out www.whistlerhalfmarathon.com for more info or to sign up.
