2005 Annual Report for Zones
3, 4 and 5
Vancouver-Squamish, Fraser Valley, Fraser River-Delta
Submitted by Richard Collier & John Bird
2005 was and exciting year for Zones 3, 4, and 5 with increasing memberships, numerous records set, the hosting of both the BC and Canadian Cross Country Championships and the realization of a new track. In 2005 Zones 3, 4, 5 had a total membership of 2,124 up considerably over last year's total of only 1700 members. Clubs themselves dropped by one, however this was due to one club joining in with another. There are now 35 clubs. A breakdown in our multi zone shows zone 3 with the largest membership of 926 followed by 5 with 811 and zone 4 with 387 members.
The largest increase in membership again is the Junior Development category and like every year it's in zone 3 with young families getting started and finding that housing is more affordable than it is in zone 4 and parts of zone 5. With young families out in the lower Fraser Valley you then find more JD athletes. Zone 5 is the largest, which encompasses Vancouver proper, Sunshine Coast, North and West Vancouver and up to Squamish.
Numerous clubs hosted a total of 36 events in our zones. The highlighted events are as follows:
- BC JD Pentathlon
- The Vancouver Sun Run
- The Lower Mainland Cross Country Series
- BC JD Championships
- Kajaks International meet
- Harry Jerome
- BC Junior and Senior Championships
- The Fraser Valley Series
- BC and Canadian 10,000m Championships
- BC Juvenile and Summer games alternate meet
- Canadian Cross Country Championships.
- Lafarge Abbotsford Track Classic
This years Harry Jerome's attendance was one of the largest ever thanks to the participation of a handful of athletes from the Chinese National team.
Our zone athletes set a total 20 new BC records of which 8 were Canadian Records. (see updated BC records for their events and accomplishments)
In world rankings we have 5 athletes that are ranked internationally and they are:
- Justin Marpole Bird
- Nolan Trey Henderson
- Reid Gustavson
- Elizabeth Gleadle
- Jennifer Joyce
We placed a total of 7 athletes on the Canadian World Youth Team, 1 on the IAAF World Half Marathon Team, IAAF World Championship and Francophonie Team and 7 on the Pan am Jr. Team.
The number of road running clubs in Zones 3,4 and 5 has now grown to 13, and this club total represents approximately 1,000 runners. There were a total of 33 sanctioned races held during 2005 and a further 16 cross country events. Primary focus of the road races was the Timex B.C. Road Running Series, and overall participation numbers were up over 2004.
Completion of a new track in 2005 in South Surrey is now open and the White Rock Athletic Club has now applied for club affiliation with BC Athletics.