From Dublin/South Carolina To Delta’s Jog for the Bog

Community events mean different things to different individuals and they can vary from sports to an air-show to an event hosted by the Burns Bog Society.

On that note it was impressive to see over 100 entrants signed up for the 2016 Jog for the Bog was held at Delta Nature Reserve, which is located at 10388 Nordel Court or simply put – the hockey rink under the Alex Fraser Bridge.

Sign-in began at 7:30 (yes AM) which also featured several vendors displaying what they offer all in support of Burns Bog.

Upon my arrival, I met up with Eliza Olson the President of the Burns Bog Conservation Society as well as Bev Bly the Operations and Development Manager.

As always they make me feel welcome and have their agenda set out for me to follow as the MC for the event.

This year was not only unique; it showed us that they continue to attract new runners to the “Jog”.

This year we were introduced to a Family consisting of a Mom, Dad and two Sons who travelled from South Carolina to compete.

They had heard of this event from other 5K and/or 10K runs they take part in and decided they wanted to venture to Canada’s west coast and take part.

Another Family we chatted with were from Dublin Ireland, who have done other events, but wanted to “check this off their bucket list” of runs to take part in.

After a discussion with both Families I met up with Delta South Independent MLA Vicki Huntington, who made her way to the various vendors displays and offered additional words of “thanks” and took the time to talk with those attending, prior to her having to leave to head back to Victoria as the “Session is back” in the House tomorrow morning.

Following the sign-in it was time for some Yoga Sunni Yoga, followed by opening remarks and welcome from Bev Bly, with regrets from Carla Qualtrough, Canada’s Minister of Sports and Person’s with Disabilities.

She’s a busy Lady these days, given the fact that the 2016 Rio Olympics are underway in the next short while and I know if she was in town, she would have been here.

Instructions were given and following a count down, the race/walk was on for over 100 competitors – both young and old alike.

Times varied from under one minute in both the 5K and 10K run and from there they were treated to a breakfast supplied by DeDutch on Scott Road and there were lots to go around.

During breakfast/lunch the crowd of participants were entertained by the group of three members called the Circle of Friends, and yes they get along.

Along with the vendors a late arrival was the Owl Society of Delta where they had on had some majestic birds.

Impressive to say the least and I found out that they are having a First Gala Fundraiser at the Quilchena Golf Course in Richmond October 22^nd, so mark the date on your calendar and plan on attending.

After checking there site out it gives me the following information, which is only a part of a great read.

“Owl’s primary goal is to rehabilitate and release sick, injured, and orphaned birds of prey.

However, there are some rare cases where a bird suffers permanent injury and can not survive in the while and seem to adjust well to human contact.

These birds remain at OWL as a permanent resident and become an Education Bird. These birds are used as “ambassadors” to their species, helping educate the public about birds of prey and environmental conservation.

Our permanent birds reside in two locations: Front Education and Side Education.”

The event was wrapped up with the presentation of Medals to the first three in each category as well as the youth category.

If you have not attended this event in the past, make plans on attending next year as you will not only be entertained, it’s a great form of exercise and what better way to treat the Family to a day out in Burns Bog.

Thanks to all the volunteers, the vendors, the sponsors and to those taking part in the 2016 Jog in the Bog.

As Race Director Bev puts in lots of effort in ensuring this annual fundraiser is a huge success, in addition to her enlisting sponsorships and building strong relations with community partners.

We’ll see you next year – so make plans on attending.

For more info please visit #4 7953 120^th Street or call (604) 572 0373