Summerland & Penticton Okanagan BC Real Estate, Homes For Sale and Revenue Properties - Raymond MAASKE: Half marathon named after Greenaway - Summerland BC

A half marathon held in Summerland in early August has been renamed to pay tribute to a legendary runner.

The Summerland Centennial Half Marathon was renamed the Willis Greenaway Half - Run To Beat Alzheimer's.

Greenaway, who died of Alzheimer's in 2008, was a long-time Summerlander who held numerous national age category running records.

In 2003, at the age of 81, he ran four marathons in 12 months.

Ron Sherk, director of the race, said it is fitting to name the race after Greenaway.

"It's both a chance to honour the memory of Willis and to raise money to fight Alzheimer's," he said.

One in 11 Canadians over the age of 65 is diagnosed with Alzheimer's or a related dementia and that figure is expected to more than double in the next 20 years.

The race, to be held on Sunday, Aug. 1 at 8 a.m., will cover 21.1 kilometres.

The course begins on Kelly Avenue, in front of the Memorial Park and the former Kelly Care Centre. From there it will follow a path to Jones Flat Road, then to Cartwright Avenue, along Prairie Valley Road to Lister Avenue, then back to town and around Giant's Head Mountain.

Sherk is hoping for at least 150 runners this year and would like to see the event grow to twice that many in the future.

The race was started in 2006 and in the past, all proceeds have gone to the Summerland Asset Development Initiative.

This year, some money will continue to go there, despite adding the Alzheimer Society as the supported charity.

"As the race becomes better known and participation increases, the additional profits will be directed to the Alzheimer Society," Sherk said.

A donation page for the event has been set up on the B.C. Alzheimer Society web page where donations can be made in memory of Greenaway. Links can be found at interiorrunning.ca.

By John Arendt - Summerland Review
Published: June 22, 2010 3:00 PM
Updated: June 22, 2010 3:34 PM