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Golden Ears Half Marathon fast approaching

Scenic course offers best of both Langley, Pitt Meadows
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Runners braved the rainy conditions to complete the first annual Golden Ears Half Marathon in March 2011. The second edition of the fundraising race will be held on March 11.

Among the things the organizers of the Golden Ears Half Marathon are hoping for is better weather.

Last year's inaugural event — which begins in Pitt  Meadows, crosses the Golden Ears Bridge into Langley, and then heads back over the bridge to Pitt Meadows — was done in a steady downpour.

Regardless, roughly 300 registered participants completed either the 10km course or the half marathon course.

Race director and Peninsula Runners manager Kathie Schellenberg expects a similar size field for the second running of the race on March 11.

Once again, the two registered charities who will benefit from the race's proceeds are the Langley School Foundation's School Meals Program and the Friends in Need Food Bank in Pitt Meadows.

The money was allotted based on where the participants were from, so the bulk of the proceeds ($4,000) came to the School Meals Program.

"The challenge is on to see if Pitt Meadows can pick it up (this year)," Schellenberg said.

Schellenberg said the fundraising for the two organizations should receive a boost since there are no first-time start-up costs associated with the event.

"Costs should be less, so we are hoping to raise more," she said.

The race will begin and end at the newly-completed South Bonson Community Centre.

The course offers scenic beauty and trails on both sides of the river.

Racing starts at 7:30 a.m. and the awards ceremony starts at 10:30 a.m.

Registration for the race has been steady, Schellenberg said, and she expects it to continue to pick up its pace leading to the deadline.

Cost is $25 for the 10km and $40 for the half marathon for registration by March 4, and after that, they are $25 and $50, respectively.

Non B.C. Athletics members also must pay an additional $3.

Registration can be done online until March 4 and in-person until the day before the race, March 10.

Before March 4, in-person registration can be done at any of the Peninsula Runners location in Langley, White Rock or Abbotsford.  Following March 4, they can only be dropped off at the Langley location.

The printable entry form, available here, can also be mailed to #1-20349 88 Ave. Langley, B.C. V1M 2K5 or faxed to 604-888-0883.