The Dinosaur Half Marathon has gone through a number of changes over the past 15 years and for 2025 an exciting route change is on the horizon.
According to Becky Kowalchuk from the Dinosaur Half Marathon organizing committee, the big adjustment will be for those who are running in the half marathon distance. “This year, we are starting at the Midland Hall for the 21 K, the 10, and the 5. The 10 and the 5 routes remain the same as last year, taking people out to McMullen Island and back. The half takes us a little bit further east along the trail along Highway 838, back down along the river, and then once you get to Kohut Crossing, we go across to Nacmine, back across Kohut Crossing, to the (Royal Tyrrell) Museum, and then back (to the Midland Hall).”
The reasoning behind the changes is to alleviate some congestion advises Kowalchuk. “Last year, we were up to our pre-COVID numbers. We have 422 people actually ran last year. It was congested, we felt on that small stretch through McMullen Island. We thought if we could start the half, getting them out on the other side first, that would kind of thin the runners out a little bit.”
Numbers are doing well so far with registration similar to year’s past according Kowalchuk. “When I checked last Friday, we were at 279 participants. They are not all runners, we get people that walk. It seems to be enjoyed by lots of people from all the provinces in Canada, and we’ve got somebody coming from Germany this year.”
Kowalchuk and the committee are very proud of being locally based and how the race supports other groups in our community. “All the proceeds from our event, stay in the valley. We make donations back to things like the BCF, Midland Outdoor Rink, Rails To Trails, the Drumheller Food Bank. I think that is really important that people realize that the money is not leaving the valley.” They appreciate the support from the community and the sponsors. The event is ran by locals to benefit the local community.
For more information on entering for the event, or volunteer opportunities, visit the Dinosaur Half Marathon website, or their social media page.
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