Skip to content

Coquitlam Crunch Diversity Challenge aiming for new heights

Want to help out? Attend the first planning meeting on March 7 at the Dogwood Pavilion.
Coquitlam Crunch Challenge
The first planning meeting for the Coquitlam Crunch Diversity Challenge is on Tuesday, March 7.

Organizers of the Coquitlam Crunch Diversity Challenge are hoping to make the event’s eighth year the biggest one yet, and are hoping to woo new volunteers to help make it happen.

Co-organizer Robbin Whachell said feedback from past participants has prompted them to expand the challenge with more climbers, sponsors and representation from local diversity groups. But they’ll need help to do it, she said, with a planning meeting on March 7 to kick off preparations.

“We’re really looking for volunteers to help with outreach to diversity groups, school groups and community groups, as well as help out on the day,” Whachell told The Tri-City News.

On the day of the challenge in September, volunteers are needed at street crossings along the route, making sure participants are going in the right direction, to help at the medal presentations and for set-up and tear-down.

In previous years, about 100 to 150 participants have joined the challenge and organizers are hoping to grow that number significantly, Whachell said, noting it has transforming from its grassroots beginnings into a more professionally organized event.

But that brings with it more costs, including a chip timing system, flags and signage, and — new this year — award medals.

“It’s a great way for sponsors to get involved and have their signage and logos be part of the event,” Whachell said.

The Coquitlam Crunch Diversity Challenge is the main source of funding for the Coquitlam Foundation’s Diversity Fund, which was established in 2011 to bring together marginalized groups in the community.

“In particular, it’s aimed at trying to bring diverse groups together, such as seniors and youth, people of different cultures or different religions,” said Dwight Yochim, the foundation’s executive director.

“It lets people know about the Coquitlam Crunch… It helps raise the profile of the trail and raises funds for a worthy cause,” Yochim said. “In this day and age, that kind of cause is hugely beneficial.”

There are a few ways to participate in Coquitlam Crunch Diversity Challenge, and a full six months to prepare.

The Stair Master — a new addition to the event — tests participants’ stair-climbing skills at top speed, with the goal to fly up the 437 steps as quickly as possible from 8 to 8:30 a.m. Endurance crunchers can take on the Make It or Break It category, plodding up the hill as many times as they can between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

And for those who just want to enjoy a fun hike, the Recreational category gives families and individuals a workout at their own pace between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Early bird registration has begun at www.coquitlamcrunch.com.

• Anyone interested in volunteering, organizing or sponsoring the Coquitlam Crunch Diversity Challenge on Sept. 9 can attend the planning meeting on Tuesday, March 7 in the Dogwood Pavilion craft room at 7 p.m. Email coquitlamcrunch@gmail.com for more information.

spayne@tricitynews.com
@spayneTC