The Gunner Shaw Story - A Legend Never Dies
Have you ever wondered the impact that Gunner Shaw has infused within the Victoria running community? In 1978 he initiated and founded the Prairie Inn Harriers Running Club, one of the largest and most successful athletic associations in Canada. In 1980, he initiated, founded and ran the first Harriers Pioneer 8K Road Race, a popular event that celebrated its 41st anniversary this year. Also, in 1980, he initiated, founded and ran the first Royal Victoria Marathon, an event that celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2019 and unfortunately the 2020 race was cancelled due to Covid-19. Gunner has successfully introduced and encouraged hundreds of people to the simple joy of running, all of whom became part of his army of new personal friends. Few people realize the importance and longevity that he has quietly offered to Victoria’s running population.
5:15 pm Tuesdays — Weekly after-work interval workout using various local roads, parks, and trails. Every week is different and everyone is welcome. The faster runners will pick up slower runners on the final lap.
It is easier to complete the race with team mates but you can run it solo if you choose. Teams of 4 each participants run one 5K lap of the main trails looping Thetis Lake. This popular relay, always held on Remembrance Day, is the first race in the Harriers Thetis Lake Cross Country Adventure Series including the Harriers Stewart Mountain 10 Mile/5 Mile Challenge on December 5, 2021 and the Harriers Gunner Shaw 10K Classic on November 27, 2021.
Race on the secondary trails of Thetis Lake Park at the 37th annual Gunner Shaw Cross Country Classic. Bring your trail shoes and expect lots of mud and lots of fun! This is the second race and is the oldest Harriers-hosted event of the Thetis Lake Cross Country Adventure Series. It's a classic and a must-do autumn trail experience at Thetis Lake Park. Just run it!
