Splash N Dash is a new swim/run series offered by the City of Penticton aimed at giving people something fun to do while being active.
Kids will complete 50/100/200 metre swim distances and 400/800/2 kilometre runs, while adults do a 750-m swim and three-km run. The first series is Nov. 16 at the Penticton Community Centre starting at 9 a.m.
“We’re trying to get families to come,” said City of Penticton recreation co-ordinator-parks and facilities and event organizer Shelie Best. “Get together with a group of people that are like minded.”
Among the rewards for completing the races? A cookie. Finishers will receive a cookie courtesy of Dogtown Cafe Co. Awards will also be given to overall male and female finishers of each series in each age category after the championship race. There will also be a top prize for the overall male and female of the championship race. Progress is tracked using a physiological equalizer system and results will be posted online at www.penticton.ca/splash after each race.
The series, sponsored by Peach City Runners and Dogtown Coffee Co., continues on Dec. 7, Jan.18/15, Feb.22 and the championship race on March 15. The championship race is free and athletes who complete at least two of the four races will be eligible to compete. It is a stand alone race and consists of a surprise twist to the standard course. Participants must sign up ahead of time.
“It’s just to get people together in the winter for training,” said Best. “Races don’t usually start until the spring. It’s a good opportunity for people that are training to use this as a time trial.”
The series will be held at the Penticton Community Centre with the run in the community centre parking lot for kids and the adults will complete a loop around the Community Centre and South Okanagan Events Centre.
Kids start at 9 a.m. in waves 10 minutes apart, while adults will start at 9:45 a.m. in similar waves.
For families that enter, there will be child minding activities to keep kids aged three and up busy while they race.
“To do that is kind of fun,” said Best.
Registration forms can be picked up at the Penticton Community Centre or filled out online. Participants can drop off completed forms with payment at 325 Power Street. For more call Shelie Best at 250-490-2437. To register online, enter the course number 39635 for Nov. 16, 39649 for Dec.7, 39650 for Jan.18 and 39651 for Feb.15. For all four races, 39652. Registration must be completed at least one week prior to the race.
Kids are $12 per race, adults $17, a family of three, $38 and add $6 for additional family. To sign up for the series, a child is $40, adult $60 and $120 for a family of three. $4 addition for added family.
