The Whistler Half Marathon will soon change hands.
Event ownership will transfer after 2024 to Coast Mountain Trail Running (CMTR), whose frontmen Gary Robbins and Geoff Langford host numerous well-respected and attended events annually throughout British Columbia.
"We are absolutely honoured to be entrusted with such an incredible local trail event. Dave Clark and his team built something very special in the Whistler running calendar with over a decade of sweat equity invested,” said Robbins and Langford in a joint statement. “Coast Mountain Trail Running are proud of the races we produced in Whistler over a six-year period, and we are truly thrilled to be stepping back onto those trails to continue the tradition of what Dave and his team have established.
“As some of the best in the industry at what they do, we have big shoes to fill. Yet we're confident we can meet, and even exceed expectations, as we continue to serve the Whistler trail community for years to come.”
Whistler Friends Community Health and Welfare Society, the current owner and founder, have been producing local events since 2002 and held their first Half Marathon in 2011. The race has grown to include 30-km, 10-km and 5-km distances, as well as a kids’ run. The weekend has also held film screenings, seminars, live music, DJs and casual runs over the years
"I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to be involved in the conceptualization, launch and evolution of this event over the years. The team that has worked on this with me have been the best people anyone could ever ask for. I feel like we created not only an event, but also a loving family that all work incredibly well together", said race director Dave Clark in a press release.
"The decision to retire from my role as race director has been a roller coaster to say the least. However, it was made significantly easier when we, as the board of directors, knew we had found incredible new owners and operators for the event.”
The Half Marathon will carry on with the same distances and similar experience as in the past for the foreseeable future. Registration for 2024 opens on New Year's Day. More information can be found at www.whistlerhalfmarathon.com.
