A cherry tree blooms, daffodils show their heads and potted plants stand at the guard rail on Miller Road at Terminal Creek. The plantings honour Aaron Sluggett, a 19-year-old boy who died in a car accident on this corner in the early hours of June 14, 2009. His death rocked our small island to its core. In an effort to funnel the agony of this tragedy, a 10 kilometer run was started on the anniversary of Aaron's death. Sunday June 3 is an opportunity to remember Aaron, his youthfulness, his gentle ever-present smile, his love of sport, and his love of his family, island, and friends. It is an opportunity to celebrate and support Bowen youth as all proceeds benefit Aaron's Scholarship Foundation that ensures a selected Bowen graduating youth has a $500 head start in university tuition fees. Recently, someone asked if the 10 kilometer route could be changed to make it easier. Here's the answer: some things in life are not meant to be easy and this is one of them. The route is symbolic in that it takes runners from Aaron's home in Bluewater to the Bowfest field, our island celebratory location.
Thanks to John Reid's beautiful trail system, the hardy runner can avoid the Bowen Bay hill, and instead wind up the lovely trails through Evergreen. If running 10 kilometers is a little steep for you right now, the five kilometre run starts at 9:15 a.m. and is flat and wonderful. Ok, maybe not completely flat as there is a wee hill as you climb Cates Hill Road to enter the Bowfest field from Dorman Road.
And for those wishing just a taste of a run, join us at the fire hall at 9:30 a.m. for a two kilometer jaunt to the Bowfest field. Participants can look forward to anything but typical post run fair: stellar, fresh baked pies compliments of Savoury Island Pie Company, fresh muffins donated by Artisan Eats, coffee compliments of Village Baker and delicious fresh fruit. Aaron's Scholarship will be awarded at the finish line at 10:45 a.m. We will wish on and release 19 balloons celebrating Aaron's 19 years.
Registration deadline is Friday June 1, 4 p.m. at the Bowen Island Community Recreation, or drop off your completed registration forms at Positively Fit Studio, 1044 Senior Road. Maps and registration forms are available at positivelyfit.ca/events. For information, encouragement or nice chat about running, call Mary at 947-9601, or email [email protected].
MARY LETSON
Event Organizer
