The organizer of a 10K run in Port Alberni is hoping to build off of last year’s success and draw hundreds of runners to the Alberni Valley next month.
The McLean Mill 10K will be returning to McLean Mill National Historic Site on Sunday, April 7. The race is the seventh one in the Vancouver Island Race Series.
Last year, the inaugural McLean Mill 10K drew record numbers to the Alberni Valley, with 404 runners finishing the race. It also raised $3,000 for KidSport Port Alberni through registration fees.
The race was re-branded in 2023 from the Port Alberni Paper Chase and was co-organized by the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce and physiotherapy clinic Ridge View Health and Performance. This year, the Chamber of Commerce has stepped out of the organizing role and Sasha Visona, owner of Ridge View, has taken it on herself.
“Right now everything is going really well,” said Visona. “Registration numbers are right on track to be the same as last year.”
Because last year’s run was so successful, Visona says it won’t be changing much this year. The race will once again raise funds for KidSport. Dog Mountain Brewing will be on site again serving up post-race beverages, while Brad DeClercq from The Starboard Grill will be serving up food for runners. Ridge View Health and Performance will once again be offering massages and physiotherapy for participants.
“We’re following the same kind of blueprint because it went so well last year,” Visona said.
In addition, the run will also follow the same route as last year, starting and ending at McLean Mill National Historic Site. Runners will travel along Debeaux Road, Batty Road, Cypress Boulevard, Best Road and Kitsuksis Road throughout the race. Although no roads will be closed on Sunday, Visona warns drivers to be cautious in the area.
“Cherry Creek Volunteer Fire Department will be managing some of the busy intersections,” she said. “But people should be aware that runners will be on the road.”
Anyone who hasn’t yet registered for the race can visit www.islandseries.org to sign up or find more information.