On Sept. 23, the Rotary Club of Whistler Millennium held its eighth Brandywine Boogie fundraiser trail run with more than 120 runners and walkers registered. We raised almost $7,000 for an elementary school in Tanzania managed by the Engaruka Community Initiative Organization. The school, and students’ families, have been hard hit by drought and are in dire need of support. All funds raised by the Brandywine Boogie are donated to the school.
The Boogie could not operate without all the fantastic Rotary volunteers and the very generous Whistler sponsors, including Helly Hansen, Nesters Market, Back in Action Physiotherapy, Blackcomb Liquor Store, Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club, Whistler Brewing Co., The Listel Hotel, Whistler Sailing, and Blended For You.
There was, however, a small fly in the ointment. Several runners and a few small groups got momentarily lost on the trail. All found their way again, although one runner rolled an ankle while off course and another was spotted way off course by our first aid and sweep. It turned out that about 80 per cent of the trail flagging had been removed between marking the trail Friday and race start Saturday morning. Much of it was found under a bench at the Train Wreck bridge. Sadly, other races have had similar experiences this summer.
As race organizers, we strive to keep everyone safe and leave the trails, forests and parks in the same condition we found them, while raising funds to help people in need. We hope this year’s incidents will not be repeated in the future. Regardless, the Boogie was a great success, and is on track for next year.
