Cochrane runners are preparing for the 19th annual Footstock race, which will be taking place in Cochrane on June 2 and 3. The 2018 edition of the race will include three events over the course of the two days, in the 5-kilometre fun run, the 10-kilometre run as well as the new 16-kilometre mini-marathon along the Bow River. Race director Meredith McMorran said the Footstock organizers are all very excited for the newest edition of the race and hope the people of Cochrane enjoy the weekend. “We’re excited about the 19th annual Footstock Race Weekend. This will be the first year for the kids’ triathlon at the new pool. And we’re happy to maintain the running races at the rodeo grounds and organize our Footstock Finish Line Festival Area,” McMorran said. “The addition of our new 10-miler provides a longer race for those who prefer an endurance distance or training for a half-marathon or another longer distance. In addition, we’re especially proud of the 10-miler race route: it begins and ends in Glenbow, heads East through Riverview and into Riviera and then West through West Valley and West Terrace to the turnaround in West Point. We’re really excited to hear people’s feedback on this new addition to the race family.” "Over the years, as we've changed our race line-up, we hear from past participants that they miss the longer events (the marathon, half marathon and duathlon). After the 2013 flood, we weren't able to offer the longer running distance and, since then, we haven't managed to get those runners back in numbers that make those races feasible. I love the idea of this year's 10-miler." The event will also host a kids triathlon for ages three to 15 at the Jayman Aquatic Centre in Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre. This year will mark the 22nd annual running of the Footstock Kids Triathlon, which was started in Cochrane three years before the introduction of the original Cochrane Challenge, which was then transformed into the Footstock running events. The triathlon will include swimming, cycling and running events that differs in distance depending on the child’s age. "Registration closed on May 30 at midnight. Our kids' triathlon is sold out and has been for several weeks," McMorran said of the potential turnout this weekend. "Numbers in our three running races are down a bit though. To be sure, we'd love to see more racers in the 5k, 10k and 10-mile race but we're excited to see many Footstock faithful returning again this year." "In my opinion, Footstock is an institution in Cochrane. From somewhat humble beginnings as the Cochrane Challenge 19 years ago, we've seen years where close to 1,800 racers participated. Next year we'll celebrate our 20th anniversary and hope to set some records for attendance." Footstock will play host to hundreds of eager race participants, excited fans, and dedicated, enthusiastic volunteers. The race is designed for both fitness enthusiasts and recreational runners who are looking for a fun, yet challenging race. "Footstock is a race that works so well because of the many Cochrane volunteers who come back every year to make our event a success," McMorran said. "I'd like to take this opportunity to thank those fantastic volunteers for their time and positive energy they bring to our race ... we are very excited to get the races started."
