The Rainforest Trail Run, a 5 and 10km fun run through the scenic trails of popular Central Park in Burnaby on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the Coast Salish People, was conceived by the Vancouver Sun Run founders as a way to help stimulate physical activity among people in local Indigenous communities.
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All runners are encouraged to take part, but a special focus of the initial organizers, the Achilles International Track and Field Society, will be on training Indigenous coaches and leaders to promote participation, either through running or walking, within their communities.
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The run’s location offers a somewhat unique setting, blending the well-preserved temperate rainforest ecosystem of the 90-hectare park with vistas of Burnaby’s ever-rising cityscape. The start/finish inside Swangard Stadium will also feature an accompanying public event that will celebrate the heritage of Canada’s Indigenous culture.
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“This event provides an opportunity for a greater understanding of our Indigenous culture through the sharing of art and music in a festival-like atmosphere,” says Dr. Doug Clement, president of the Achilles Society.
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“The general public will be exposed to thousands of years of rich evolution of our Indigenous patterns, while at the same sharing in positive approaches to optimal lifestyles via exercise and nutrition.”