This year will mark the silver anniversary of the Beaches Recreation Centre’s Spring Sprint, and organizers are hoping numbers will keep up with the success of recent years.
“We’d like to get 600, and maybe 350 kids out of that 600,” said Roland Roushias of the rec centre. “ If it takes you 15 minutes or two hours, it’s about being there and participating.”
Along with runners, the event is still in need of volunteers to help keep everything running smoothly.
“It’s not too late if you want to volunteer, you can leave your name and number at the Beaches Rec Centre. We need 100 of them. They get a handsome-looking cap if they volunteer,” he said.
The race, which was predated by the Splash ‘N Dash and which was once known as the Numb Run, has become a Beach institution for East End runners young and old – “25 years of excellence,” as Frank Domagala of the Beaches Rec Centre said.
The sprint used to take place at the east end of the boardwalk, starting at the Donald D. Summerville Olympic Pool. After moving to the current starting location at the foot of Silver Birch, the race has not been without its challenges.
The route had to be moved one year to accommodate construction of stormwater retention tanks under the boardwalk.
“We’ve been through strikes, and we still ran, we’ve been through ice storms…it’s been through a lot, but we still keep going,” said Domagala, who has been involved since the first year.
Registration will only be done in advance at the Beaches Rec Centre on Williamson Road, from 7 to 9 p.m. on March 20 to 22 and March 26 to 28. The cost is $25 (cash or cheque only) for all participants, and it’s important to note that there will be no registration on race day. T-shirts will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The 5 km race and walk and 2 km Seniors walk will start at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 31. The 2 km children’s race (age 12 and under) will start at 10:30. When everyone has completed the race, awards and draw prizes will be handed out at a reception in the Balmy Beach Club.
For more information call the Rec Centre at 416-392-0740.
Did you enjoy this article? Become a Beach Metro Community News Supporter today! For 50 years, we have worked hard to be the eyes and ears in your community, inform you of upcoming events, and let you know what and who is making a difference. We cover the big stories as well as the little things that often matter the most. CLICK HERE to support your Beach Metro Community News!
