10 things you need to know for the Victoria Times Colonist 10k this weekend
- Registration - online registrations closed on April 20 but you can still register today and tomorrow in person at the Lifestyle and Fitness Expo at Pearkes Arena, 3100 Tillicum Rd. The entry fee is $35 for the 10K and $15 for the Family Run. The expo is open today from noon to 7 p.m. and tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. It is expected that this year’s numbers will break the 11,000 mark for the first time.
- Prepare for rainy conditions - at this point meteorological predictions are calling for rain. So prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
- Parking will suck - it always does, especially the closer you are to the start. So come early. One tip, park farther away and use the extra distance to get a good warm-up and cool-down to and from the race start and finish.
- Port-a-potties - there’s never enough of them so plan to spend a little more time in lineups.
- Race starts at 8am - yes, 8am.
- Big Hill - the TC 10k is not the fastest course out there and has a particularly long hill that stretches on the way back from Clover Point to Beacon Hill Park.
- Wind - you’ll almost always encounter a head-wind on your way back along Dallas Rd. Remembering to use your arms will help.
- Music - you’ll encounter impromptu music along the entire course so take advantage of it and let it pump you up.
- Don’t forget the little bastard hill near the end - near Erie Street, short but steep.
- And don’t forget to have fun!
