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Icebreaker to support KidSport, Kajaks

By Don Fennell

Published 2:15 PST, Mon January 13, 2020

Last Updated: 2:13 PDT, Wed May 12, 2021

Now that the festive season has passed, it’s time to work off some of that holiday cheer. And there are few better ways than exercise.

The Steveston Icebreaker 8K road race is the perfect tonic, with the added bonus of supporting KidSport Richmond in the process.

And with the cold snap that is currently gripping the West Coast expected to thaw by the weekend, race day Sunday (Jan. 19) should be under typical conditions with a forecast high of 7 degrees.

For the region’s ardent running community, the annual Icebreaker is one of the more popular events on the circuit. The beauty of the course, coupled with the focus on supporting youth, always makes for a good turnout.

“As one of our premier fundraising events, the proceeds made from the Steveston Icebreaker 8K will go directly towards supporting our athletes,” notes Garrett Collier, head coach of the Richmond Kajaks Track and Field Club. “Whether it’s for our younger athletes in the Junior Development program, or future and current national team athletes, the race is a great way to support the community and our aspiring and inspiring athletes." 

Race director Jared Hulme is also excited to confirm that New Balance is again sponsoring the second annual 1K KidsRun.

“It was a special day last year seeing all the kiddos out there running and smiling, and even cooler seeing the parents running alongside (or chasing) their little ones,” says Hulme. “(The event) has had a tremendous impact on the community in many ways. Just the other day, I was chatting with some students from Dixon Elementary that are on an Icebreaker/KidsRun training group at their school with Kajaks’ coach and teacher Rachel Maika. Because of the success, West Richmond Community Centre is partnering with the Kajaks to run an Introduction to Track program.”

Hulme says embracing a physical activity, such as running, has so many positive benefits. He says it’s “awesome” to see the popularity of running continuing to grow in Richmond.

Maika echoes those thoughts.


“The reason we wanted to include an event just for kids is to promote a lifelong love of fitness, and living a healthy lifestyle,” she says. “The New Balance KidsRun is not only a fun and exciting event, but it gets kids moving in our local community.”

New Balance Richmond owner Jordan Cluff says he’s thrilled to again step up as a sponsor.

“New Balance emphasizes sponsorship of community events and, in particular, events that promote active, fun and healthy living for children and adults,” he explains. “Due to the large volunteer base that is provided by the Kajaks, the Icebreaker is a well-run event that is loved by participants and reflects well upon its sponsors.”

Recognizing their efforts, each kids’ run finisher will receive an inaugural New Balance kids’ run ribbon. There’ll also be a free run, jump and throw demonstration by Kajaks’ coaches after both runs, where children can get coaching tips.

All the proceeds from the KidsRun will go directly to KidSport Richmond, which helps children overcome the financial barriers of participating in sport.

Hoping for record participation, Hulme notes that registration closes Tuesday (Jan. 14), but says you can still sign up in person on Saturday at New Balance Richmond (140-4771 McClelland Rd. in the Central at Garden City shopping centre) where they will be offering in-store VIP sales for all race participants.

Register now for the big day. Sunday’s 1K KidsRun is at 8:30 a.m., just before the adults take to the streets at 9 a.m. for the traditional Icebreaker 8K. 

For those looking for a few post-event fitness tips, a free community expo will be held in the Steveston Community Centre gym from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. There will be several run and fitness booths and food sampling, with Lifemark Sport Medicine on hand as well.

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