Fort Langley’s 19th Langley Senior Resources Society Race Canceled Due to Unsafe Trail Conditions
This year, the Langley Senior Resources Society (LSRS) will not host the anticipated 19th Fort Langley Historic 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon. The event, scheduled for Sunday, February 16, faced an untimely cancellation announced by the organizer, Try Events, just five days prior. This decision was made due to unfavorable trail conditions, as heavy snowfall left the race route unsafe for participants.
The organizer’s announcement, made via social media, included images illustrating the snow-covered trails. “The safety of all participants is our top priority,” the notice read, emphasizing that the Township of Langley advised against the event due to the current trail conditions. “Metro Vancouver Park staff have confirmed that the trails are covered in compacted snow and ice with temperatures not expected to improve in the foreseeable future,” further indicating the challenges that led to the cancellation.
This cancellation marks a significant moment in the event’s history. According to Try Events, this is the first time in over 170 scheduled events that they have failed to host an event, excluding the interruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We deeply regret the need to do so,” stated the organization, underscoring the disappointment felt by both organizers and participants alike. Unfortunately, they cannot reschedule the Fort Langley event as there are no available dates that align with the usual event calendar.
Loretta Solomon, president of the LSRS board of directors and a member of the planning committee, addressed the logistics surrounding the cancellation. “It couldn’t be rescheduled,” she acknowledged, highlighting the lack of future openings in the schedule. Solomon further mentioned that approximately 850 registered participants would have options moving forward: they could participate in virtual runs or select from other Try Events half marathons scheduled for March and April. This alternative allows runners to still engage in the race experience, albeit in a transitioned format.
For those who choose to participate virtually, they can pick up their race packages and complete their runs at their convenience when weather conditions improve. Solomon reported that around 250 participants had already opted for this route, while others were considering the upcoming half-marathons as an alternative. The LSRS fully supported the cancellation, reinforcing the importance of safety over event execution. Solomon reiterated, “It wasn’t safe,” indicating the organization’s commitment to participant welfare above all else.
Among the disappointed participants was Carole Chesham, a Murrayville resident battling stage 4 cancer. She expressed her mixed feelings about the race’s cancellation. Although she had hoped to participate without needing a wheelchair or walker this year, she acknowledged the importance of prioritizing safety. “I was disappointed that it wasn’t going to happen, but happy that it got canceled because the conditions were so bad,” Chesham remarked. She, along with her walking club, plans to engage in a virtual event, maintaining the spirit of the race by walking the same 5K route.
Despite the cancellation, community spirit remains strong. The LSRS, in collaboration with Try Events, has historically raised substantial funds from previous races. Even with the event being called off, donations continue to pour in as supporters remain committed to the cause. Solomon noted the positive outcomes from the weekend’s package pickup event at the seniors’ center, where they had the opportunity to meet participants from various locations, including the Netherlands and other parts of Canada. This interaction not only strengthens community ties but also sets a hopeful tone for future events.
