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Soap run kicks off race season

Two thousand women gathered at the Canmore Nordic Centre to kick off the Bow Valley race season with the Rocky Mountain Soap Company Women’s Run, last weekend (May 14-15).
Competitors snake away from the Canmore Nordic Centre energized by a stunning spring morning during the Rocky Mountain Soap Company Women’s Run and Walk, Saturday (May 14).
Competitors snake away from the Canmore Nordic Centre energized by a stunning spring morning during the Rocky Mountain Soap Company Women’s Run and Walk, Saturday (May 14).

Two thousand women gathered at the Canmore Nordic Centre to kick off the Bow Valley race season with the Rocky Mountain Soap Company Women’s Run, last weekend (May 14-15).

Now in its fourth year, the run has expanded into a two-day event with vendors, flash mobs and musical performances.

“It’s great we can continue with the positive energy this event has created and encourage women to participate,” said co-founder Julie Budgen.

The event isn’t so much about who wins (although recently retired national team cross-country skier Brooke Gosling won the half marathon in a time of 1:32:29.8), but creating a positive, supportive atmosphere in which women can feel empowered while raising money to support health and environmental issues.

Money raised goes to the pink and green ribbon campaign, supporting breast health and a healthy earth, as the organizers promote the connection between a healthy body and planet.

“It’s a different vibe than other races,” said Budgen, noting more than $12,000 was raised by the event.

The event has grown since the beginning, and is now capped at 1,000 runners each day. The coxurse was changed this year to include more hills and less snow.

Heather Price was the first to cross the finish line in the 12 kilometre event. Competing in the 50-56 division, she beat racers half her age by running the hilly course in a time of 50:02.

“I like seeing the beginning runners on the course. For me the race is partly social, so I’m happy to see everyone participate.”

Biathlete Cindy Clark and her mother Maxine Clark keep returning to the soap race. Cindy, who finished second in the 12 km race, said it’s a great race to run with her mom (who finished second in her age category behind Price) thanks to the sheer number of racers.

“I try to do as many local races as I can and this is a super fun one I try to do every year,” Clark said. “I got to see my mom on the course and it’s great to see everyone out.”

Budgen said there are plans to expand the run next year, offering another course in Sooke, B.C. for next year..


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