New West runs for a good cause

Ready, set, run!

This weekend marks the first annual Steel & Oak (S&O) Beer Run, which includes a 5K route around scenic Queen’s Park. The race is happening this Saturday, May 6.

There will also be food trucks, a bag check, and water and snacks for those participating.

“We’ve been hosting a run club now for almost a year and a half, which has grown in popularity. We wanted to extend that to the wider community, have a fun little event, and we’re super excited to host,” explains Jordan Brett of Steel & Oak, who also happens to be a trail runner.

“I’ve been running [at Queen’s Park] for years, and I’ve just had it in my mind for the last two years. Every time I run [there], I get this vision of a race happening. It’s perfectly set up for everything to be there. The bandshell areas are great for hanging out, and then the picnic areas are great for all the race needs,” he says, adding that it was also important for S&O to celebrate the beautiful parks the city has to offer.

The run itself is sold out—meaning that about 200 people will be taking part—but it doesn’t mean the general public can’t play a part. Brett says there’s a relatively tough hill that’ll require lots of cheering for those participating.

“We’re going to be doing a poster making night…and that hill will be a designated cheer section, so we’re going to encourage people to go to that section and cheer people on; as people start to get tired, they should get some encouragement to go up.”

The general public will also be able to take part in the beer garden and food truck area—so Brett is definitely hoping for good weather.

As for the 200 or so people who have signed up to participate, Brett offered some words of advice to his fellow runners.

“This advice is pretty standard for any race, but don’t go out too fast, especially since the first kilometre is all downhill. That makes you go even faster, which may make you feel great at the time, but you’re only 1K in, and you still have a lot of uphill to go.

“And for the hill? Remember: it ends. There’s a top of it, so don’t worry,” he ends with a chuckle.

Funds raised from this run will go towards KidSport New West, and Brett says at least $1500 has already been raised through this event.

S&O is still looking for volunteers for the race—you can visit this page to sign up. To learn more about the event, visit this website.