In 2001 members of the community of Lake Cowichan got together and discussed the possibility of having a marathon run to raise funds for charity and promote the area. It would be called "The Great Lake Walk". The route around the lake was chosen and the decision to start the run in Youbou and end in Lake Cowichan was made. It would be safer by avoiding a lot of motor vehicle traffic and also highlight the lake itself. The length of the walk measured 56k. To have the event completely over around dinnertime in Lake Cowichan the start time was going to be 4am in the morning in Youbou. Runners could finish the route in 5 - 6 hours and walkers in 14 or 15 hours. An altitude change of only 100 meters made it a relatively easy walk with great views of the lake in places. Rest stops were placed a regular intervals for relief. The first event was held Sept 21, 2002 The 2011 event attracted 333 participants to register, of these 255 completed the walk. The oldest to finish was a 82 year old female, oldest male 75 years old, the youngest finisher was a 12 year old boy and this years youngest girl was 16 years old. Since 2002, 687,142.00 dollars have been raised for over 350 individual charities by the walkers. Every year hundreds of volunteers help provide food and liquids to the walkers, they man the rest stops, are at the start and finish lines and they provide first aid and transport to the participants. An event this size would be impossible without them. As the day wears on runners then walkers make the finish line to ring the finish bell. That signifies they have conquered the 56 kilometer Great Lake Walk. The first in Brodie Guild from Errington, BC at 5:01:28 and the final finisher Bill Clarke from Nanaimo, BC at 13:49:53. The 2012 Great Lake Walk takes place the third weekend in September in Lake Cowichan BC. Check their website to register for the walk http://www.greatlakewalk.com and raise money for your favorite charity.
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