2023 Acera Insurance Run for L'Arche

SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2023

We are delighted to launch our 13^th annual fundraising event in support of the L'Arche Association of Calgary!

Please scroll to the bottom for general FAQs.

ABOUT THE EVENT

Since 2011, the Run for L'Arche has raised more than $655,000 to provide housing and programs for Calgarians with intellectual disabilities.

The Run for L'Arche began when a group of employees from Acera Insurance (formerly Rogers Insurance) were inspired to raise funds for L'Arche Calgary through a mixed run/walk event. From the beginning, Acera Insurance has provided invaluable support.

Today, Run for L’Arche is one of the most popular Spring races on the Calgary running calendar, with more than 500 people in attendance at our 2022 event. We are proud to offer an inclusive race that welcomes participants of all ages and abilities! This includes elite runners, who are also invited to participate.

ABOUT L’ARCHE CALGARY

L'Arche Calgary was founded in 1973. Over the last 49 years, they have grown to become 5 homes, a Supported Independent Living Program, and a Day Program, called Tamarack. L'Arche Calgary's Core Members are people with intellectual disabilities, who live and work alongside Assistants from all over the world to create a community of belonging.

L’Arche Calgary is part of an International Federation, with 156 communities in 38 countries worldwide, including 29 communities in Canada.

NEWS

We will be returning to last year’s venue at Confluence Plaza, on St. Patrick’s Island. We will offer certified, chip-timed routes for half marathon and chip-timed routes for 10K, 5K, and 3K distances, on the City of Calgary Pathways System.

We are excited to debut a 3K route this year, which will be an inclusive event for people of all abilities. Stay tuned for more details!

Our popular family-friendly 1K “fun run” and obstacle course will also be making a return.

A virtual event for all distances will be available from Saturday, April 1^st – Sunday, April 9^th for those who wish to participate from afar. (Please note, cut off time for the virtual event will be 11:59 PM MST on April 9, 2023).

ANY AGE, ANY ABILITY

We strive to make the Run for L’Arche accessible and enjoyable for people of all ages and abilities.

Everyone has their own goals for race day. Maybe you’re an elite athlete seeking a qualifying time for a prestigious event. Maybe you’re on a fitness journey and looking to check off a New Years’ goal. Maybe you want to get the whole family involved in a fun Saturday activity. We believe in the benefits of movement and the joy of participation. No matter your goals, you are welcome at the Run for L’Arche.

This year’s 3K distance will be fully accessible – participants are welcome to walk or run at their own pace. Wheelchairs and other mobility devices are always welcome! Please note – dogs cannot attend the in-person event, with the exception of service animals. This route is intended for participants who want an authentic race experience, at a shorter distance.

The 1K route will continue to be a “fun run” and obstacle course, with interactive elements. This event is participation based, with an emphasis on enjoyment and getting involved! The 1K race is geared towards the young at heart, but anyone of any age is welcome to participate.

ALL participants in ALL distances will receive a finishing medal, race bib, and certificate to recognize your personal achievement. Whether you do the half marathon or the 1K, we will cheer and celebrate you!

VENUE

We are thrilled to host our event for a second year at Confluence Plaza on St. Patrick's Island, courtesy of the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation.

PARKING

Paid parking is available and has been recently updated as part of the 2013 Flood Rehabilitation in the East Village. Bridges connect the park to the East Village to the South and Bridgeland to the North.

Those with a Calgary Zoo membership may also park in the South Zoo parking lot – please see the Calgary Zoo website for further details about registering for free parking.

https://calgaryzoo.permit.parkplus.ca/

WASHROOMS

Washrooms will be provided at the on-site for event participants.

VENDORS

Check back for more details about vendors and other venue services as they are confirmed!

RACE SWAG

Add to your collection! Merchandise from previous events will be for sale on race day. Shirts are $3 each or two for $5! Styles and sizing are subject to availability.

RACE DAY

The in-person event will begin at 8:30AM on Saturday, April 1, 2023.

INDIVIDUAL EVENT START TIMES

Individual start times are still pending. They will be listed here once confirmed.

Half Marathon: TBA

10K: TBA

5K: TBA

3K: TBA

1K (Obstacle Course & Fun Run): TBA

PLEASE NOTE: Start times are subject to change. Please check back and make sure you are subscribed to email updates to be informed of the latest information.

TIMING

We are delighted to confirm that Startline Timing will again be supporting us throughout both the in-person and virtual events!

RACE PACKAGES

Race package pick-up will be available in-person for all participants and volunteers, beginning in March, at Calgary Strides Locations. Check back for more information as it becomes available!

For participants from out of town, race packages can also be mailed for an additional fee, subject to location and shipping costs. Please contact us for details.

STRIDES MARA LOOP

3558 Garrison Gate SW, Calgary

403-240-4656

Wednesday & Thursday, 12:00 PM noon – 5:00 PM

March pickup availability TBA.

STRIDES FISH CREEK

1119 - 380 Canyon Meadows Drive SE, Calgary

403-454-4354

Friday, 12:00 PM noon – 5:00 PM

March pickup availability TBA.

PLEASE NOTE: race day pickups on location are only available for out-of-town participants, unless prior arrangements have been made. If you require a race day pickup, please contact race organizers with sufficient notice. Pickup will begin at 7:30AM at the venue. Be sure to arrive with plenty of time to get your package before your respective event start.

VIRTUAL EVENT

Saturday April 1^st at 12:01 AM - Sunday April 9^th at 11:59 PM MST

A virtual event will be available for half marathon, 10K, 5K, and 1K distances.

We can provide routes along the City of Calgary pathway system, with optional format(s), date(s), or location(s). We welcome participants from out of town, province, or country to create their own routes. Feel free to be creative – treadmills, stairwells, neighbourhoods, and backyards all count!

In the past, we’ve welcomed our friends from other L’Arche Communities, including Edmonton and Lethbridge, as race participants. We eagerly invite virtual participants from other L’Arche Communities too!

All participants in the virtual event will receive a finishing medal, printable bib and certificate.

We extend our thanks to Startline Timing, who will provide support to our virtual event participants.

AWARDS

Men’s and women’s 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place awards will be presented at the event for the half marathon, 10K, 5K, and 3K distances. Please note: all other awards will be mailed post-event. This includes Age Category 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd placements, who will receive a certificate.

INCENTIVES

EARLY BIRD PRICING

We’d love to count you in! Register by January 2, 2023 to receive early bird discounted pricing. BONUS – the first ten people to register will have their fee reimbursed! (Sorry – this doesn’t include fees to mail out your race kit, if selected.)

RUN FOR FREE!

Raise $500 or more for the event and get your registration fee back! This is subject to approval by your Runners Experience Coordinator and credits will only be given after your funds have been processed.

RUN THE DOUBLE

We are proud to partner once again with Strides Running Stores.

If you register for the original St. Patrick's Day Road Race (half marathon, 10K or 5K) AND the Acera (Rogers) Insurance Run for L'Arche, you will receive a $25 Strides gift card that can be picked up in-person alongside your race kit.

https://www.calgaryroadrunners.com/st-patricks-race/

SPRING TRIO

In addition there is an opportunity to combine with our Partner the "Be There Races Spring Trio". Register here http://bethereraces.com/spring-trio-5-10-15-km/ and use the code LARCHE23 to receive $5 off.

VOLUNTEERS

Each year, more than 100 dedicated volunteers make the Run for L’Arche possible.

If you or a group are interested in volunteering, we’d love to hear from you! Below you will find a list of roles and their approximate time commitment.

VOLUNTEER ROLES – EVENT DAY

Registration Table: 7:30am – 10:30am

Course Marshalls: 8:15am – 11:45am

Water Station Attendees: 8:15am – 11:45am

1K Obstacle Course Helpers: 9:00am – 12:30pm

VOLUNTEER ROLES – PRE-EVENT

Race Kit Pickup: Strides Fish Creek, Fridays 12:00pm noon – 5:00pm.

AMBASSADORS

Not a runner? Can’t make it to volunteer on race day? Still want to get involved?

Consider becoming an Ambassador to fundraise for the event! You can go solo or recruit a team to collect donations for L’Arche Calgary.

Every Ambassador will be entered into draws for great prizes to recognize their contributions.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact: run@larchecalgary.org

SPONSORS

Run for L’Arche would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors.

We offer flexible sponsorship opportunities starting at only $250!

We are also happy to accommodate Corporate Teams and employers who wish to cover the cost of their employees’ registration.

To receive a copy of our sponsorship package, or for more information, please contact: run@larchecalgary.org

FAQs

When is the deadline for the early bird discount?

Early bird registration ends on January 2, 2023.

What do I get with my registration fee?

For every distance, everyone who registers will receive a finisher’s medal, a race bib, and a t-shirt.

How do I get my race package?

Race kits can be picked up in-person at Calgary Strides locations beginning in March. Alternately, for an additional fee, we can mail them directly to you. Out-of-town participants who will be coming to Calgary for the event may pick up their race kit beginning at 7:30AM at the venue, on race day.

What distances will be offered?

In 2023, we will have half marathon, 10K, 5K, 3K, and 1K routes.

Are your routes certified?

The half marathon, 10K, 5K, and 3K routes will be certified and chip-timed by Startline Timing.

Can I bring my dog/cat/furry friend?

For safety reasons, only service animals are permitted at the venue on race day.

Who do I talk to about accessibility needs?

If you have accessibility concerns or any requests for accommodation, please contact run@larchecalgary.org so we can ensure race day goes smoothly for you!

Is the 1K obstacle course just for kids?

Although the 1K course is kid-friendly, we invite anyone of any age to participate!

I’m an elite runner – can I still register for this event?

Definitely! Run for L’Arche is open to everyone.

Do I need to participate in the virtual event in real time?

Nope! The virtual event will be available from Saturday April 1st at 12:01 AM - Sunday April 9th at 11:59 PM MST, so there is ample time for you to complete your distance.

Is parking available at the venue?

Paid parking is available nearby. Bridges connect the park to the East Village to the South and Bridgeland to the North.

Those with a Calgary Zoo membership may also park in the South Zoo parking lot – please see the Calgary Zoo website for further details about registering for free parking.

https://calgaryzoo.permit.parkplus.ca/

Will there be washrooms?

Yes, washrooms will be available at the venue on race day.

Will there be food/drinks/snacks available on race day?

We hope so! Details are still being confirmed but check back for more information.

How can I stay up to date on race information and announcements?

We’d recommend checking back here intermittently before race day for the latest information.

You can also stay in touch via our social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.