The Pemberton Valley, renowned for its well-maintained network of trails, has just seen the launch of two new trail groups—a Pemberton branch of the Quebecois 6AM Run Club and an inclusive 5 kilometre spin-off of the trail-running institution We Run Pemberton (WRP)
The 6AM running club, organized by Sabrina Daoust, is “a weekly meet-up designed to kick-start your day with energy, motivation and community spirit.”
The group meets at 5:50 a.m. for a 6 o’clock start on Wednesday mornings at the Visitors Centre parking lot. The group will run 6 km through the One Mile Lake area and finish in the Village near the Community Centre.
“This group is open to all running levels—whether you’re just starting out, running recreationally, or more experienced,” wrote Daoust on Facebook. “Our goal is to move together, share the morning boost and enjoy the run in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The pace is casual and friendly.”
The Wednesdays group is part of a national running community born in Quebec now operating in over a hundred towns there. It’s since made its way over to B.C.
Not a morning person? Pemberton’s still got you covered.
Historically, Thursday evenings have been the domain of WRP. The organization will still be hosting its 6 p.m. runs, but has also inspired a new Chill 5k running group.
“The goal is to create a welcoming, no-pressure space for people who may feel intimidated by the strong athletic culture in Pemberton and Whistler,” organizer Lizzie Stone wrote to Pique. “It’s for anyone looking to move, connect and feel good, regardless of pace or fitness level.”
The group’s first run a few weeks back was “a huge success,” she said.
“The usual group comprises about five runners who take on a 10k-plus hilly route,” said Stone. “However, this week we had over 25 people of all ages show up for the relaxed 5k, many of whom said they finally felt like they’d found a running group that was right for them. A few even told us how proud they were to complete the 5k, saying they hadn’t believed it was possible for them.”
The Chill 5K group meets alongside WRP at 6 p.m. on Thursdays at the downtown community barn.
No registration is required for either group.
