It was a beautiful day for a walk or run in Surrey on Sunday, and hundreds of people showed up at Holland Park to do exactly that.
The second in-person Run Surrey Run/Walk was held, in conjunction with a virtual event that spanned the weekend.
Race founder and director Gurjinder Bhurji, who started the event after a serious health scare, envisions a Surrey version of Vancouver’s Sun Run as the event grows.
She thanked the community partners and sponsors that helped ensure the run happened, noting that the 500 runners and walkers who registered this year is already twice what they had last year.
“We already doubled in numbers this year which is superb,” Bhurji told the gathered crowd before the race.
“We’re getting our own annual race – that’s our goal, to have our own city race! It’s a beautiful route on a beautiful day and I’m looking forward to seeing all the happy faces come through that finish line.”
READ ALSO: Sunday run/walk in Surrey to start and end at Holland Park
After her health scare, she started walking and running as part of her rehabilitation, so it was great to see so many people participating and being active, said Bhurji.
After Kevin Kelly, husband of Kwantlen First Nation Chief Marilyn Gabriel, performed a traditional welcome, Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke said a few words, noting several city councillors had also joined her at the event.
“We thank you all for being here. Let’s have an absolutely special day,” Locke said.
“Surrey supports healthy lifestyles and healthy living.”
Runners and walkers started at staggered times, based on the length they were walking or running, and their running speed.
For more information about the race, visit runsurreyrun.com
– with files from Tom Zillich
