The Cortes Half Marathon starts at Smelt Bay this Sunday, September 19th, at 8:30 AM.
The idea grew out of the runs that Peter Wrinch, CEO of Hollyhock, made during the pandemic. A friend suggested they organize a marathon.
The Cortes Market and Cortes Natural Food Co-op partnered with Hollyhock to sponsor the event.
Volunteers came forward from the community.
There will be a 5k, 10k and 22K run.
Runners pay a registration fee, which ranges from $5 to $25 depending on their route.
The proceeds will be used to pay for event costs, but the organizers are also hoping to use this event as a fund raiser.
“Any remaining money will go to the Last Stand for Forests in support of the Fairy Creek blockades,” said Wrinch.
Want to register as a runner? volunteer to help run the event? Or learn more about it? - go to Cortes Half Marathon.ca.

The final stretch - down South Point Road around the southern tip of Cortes Island and back to Smelt Bay - Map courtesy Cortes Half Marathon
Credits: (top) One of the paths that will be taken by people running in the Cortes Half Marathon on Sunday Sept 19th - Photo courtesy Cortes Half Marathon (podcast) Getting ready to run by Malik Skydsgaard on Unsplash
This program was funded by a grant from the Community Radio Fund of Canada and the Government of Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative