Cross country runners from across the province are lacing up for the Trails Capital of B.C.
The 2024 and 2025 BC Cross Country Running Championships take place at Vernon鈥檚 DND grounds. The 2024 event takes place Oct. 26 and 2025 on Oct. 25.
鈥淭he DND grounds offer expansive open fields, creating a spectator-friendly course with layers of elevation and interconnected grass fields that allows the course to be as creative as one wants,鈥� said Mark Bomba, head coach of Queens University for his insights into the grounds, as his upbringing in Vernon meant he had firsthand experience with the course that had inspired him as a rising athlete.
鈥淚n addition to the exceptional course, the event benefits from the passion to host led by Josh Welter of the Sport and Culture Society, and Tourism Vernon (sport), and Malindi Elmore, Olympian marathoner, who serves as an ambassador for the event.鈥�
Vernon Amateur Athletics Association co-chair, Robyn Poulin is excited for the chance to coach and compete on home soil.
鈥淭his event always brings some of the best and elite cross country runners in B.C. together while providing an opportunity for racers of various ages to get out, compete and have fun,鈥� said Poulin, who has participated in BC cross country provincials for several years as an athlete.
BC Athletics Non-Stadia program manager Kevin O鈥機onnor is thrilled to bring the championships back to the Interior, 鈥渇eaturing a challenging cross-country course that will test athletes from grassroots to high performance levels.鈥�
The event serves as the selection race for the BC Team competing at the Canadian Cross Country Championships in London, Ontario, on Nov. 30, 2024.
鈥淲e look forward to welcoming athletes, coaches, and supporters from around the province to Vernon, the Trails Capital of B.C.,鈥� said Vernon Amateur Athletics Association president and co-chair Mike Stoll.
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