Registrations for Beaches Spring Sprint to begin this week

By KAT BERGERON

The Beaches Recreation Centre Advisory Council hosts the 40th Annual Beaches Spring Sprint on the morning of Saturday, April 11.

A timed five-kilometre walk or run, the Beaches Spring Sprint gives serious runners the chance to use their time in other runs. But it is also for anyone who would like to participate recreationally as there is a two-kilometre kids run, and a two kilometre walk.

Starting and finishing in front of the Leuty Pavilion, the event takes place along the Boardwalk and has been a fundraiser for Beaches Recreation Centre since 1986.

Previously named The Beaches Splash and Dash, the first event was held on June 8, 1986. It later evolved into the Beaches Spring Sprint, with more than 590 participants last year.

Over the years, proceeds from the Beaches Spring Sprint proceeds have supported a number of community initiatives including helping the Atrium at Kew Beach Retirement Residence to build a new kitchen, the free Pancake Breakfast with Santa at the Beaches Recreation Centre, and The Pegasus Shoppe on Kingston Road.

“There’s one thing about the Beaches. There is a strong sense of community,” said Tammy Hargreaves, one of the Beaches Spring Sprint’s organizers.

The event is sponsored by local businesses and community members including Norseman Construction, Boardwalk Running Club, Beaches N’ Cream ice cream cafe, Daniela Kim at Royal LePage, as well as Giselle Vidad and Heather Kerr of the Beaches Recreation Centre.

“It’s a wonderful community event and it’s just great to see all the people who live in this area out there,running and supporting the runners,” said long-time organizer Susan Saab.

Registration takes place in person only at the Beaches Recreation Centre on April 1 and 2, and April 7 and 8.

The Beaches Recreation is located at 6 Williamson Rd. Registration times are 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Upon registration, participants will receive a coupon for a burger or hot dog at Beaches N’ Cream as well as a T-shirt for the event, while supplies last. Registration is only available at the listed times and dates, and not on the day of the event.

The registration fee is $30, in cash or by cheque.

For more information on the Beaches Spring Sprint, please call 416-392-0740. To volunteer or become a sponsor, please email the Beaches Recreation Centre Advisory Council at beachesspringsprint@gmail.com