Sports

Runners gearing up for Icebreaker

By Hannah Scott

Published 2:03 PST, Wed January 11, 2023

Last Updated: 3:32 PST, Mon January 30, 2023

The Steveston Icebreaker is on pace to sell out for the second straight year, with the race date set for Sunday (Jan. 15).

With over 700 participants registered at press time, race director Jared Hulme says it’s a record turnout. There are almost 200 kids registered for the accompanying Kidsrun. People can still register at the New Balance Richmond store on Friday (Jan. 13) from 2 to 8 p.m. or Saturday (Jan. 14) from noon to 5 p.m. 

It wasn’t too long ago we considered cancelling the Icebreaker, and to see the popularity of the event now is wild,” says Hulme.

He credits the people and atmosphere for the success of this annual event, which is also a fundraiser for the Kajaks Track and Field Club.

“From a local teacher leading the Kidsrun warm up, to (Olympic race walker) Evan Dunfee walking with the kids, and the many community partners that support the event in some way, the Icebreaker highlights Richmond's strong sense of community and the feeling is infectious on race day,” says Hulme.

Richmond’s only road race, the course takes runners past sites like Britannia Shipyards, London Heritage Farm, and the Steveston waterfront. The flat and fast course is good for new runners, while also providing opportunities for seasoned runners to record new personal bests. Over 100 volunteers will be there cheering runners on.

“As a race director, you work tirelessly all year, and the day is a whirlwind packed with many emotions and stress,” says Hulme. “But watching runners pass the finish line and get their adrenaline rush—‘runners high’—is a very rewarding feeling, knowing that we played a small part in it. The Icebreaker is one of the first athletic events of the year, so this is many people’s first goal or achievement of the new year, which is pretty cool too.”

Hulme adds that his two-year-old son will take part in the Kidsrun, with his mom, for the first time.

“Seeing all the children and their parents run together, or parents cheering on their kids, is a magical moment and definitely one of the highlights of the day,” he says. “This year I get to cheer on my own little guy.”

The event’s title sponsor is New Balance Richmond (#1410–4771 McClelland Rd.), which is holding sales all weekend. For more information, visit icebreaker8k.ca.

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