Two of the world’s top marathon runners are set to race at the Midsummer 8k this Sunday in Kelowna. Malindi Elmore and Trevor Hofbauer, both members of the UBC Okanagan Heat cross country program, are local to the area and are two of Canada’s fastest marathon runners. They both flew the flag for Canada at last year’s Tokyo Olympic marathon with Elmore finishing in 9th place and Hofbauer in 48th.

Elmore and Hofbauer will line up on Sunday alongside all the other participants to take part in this historic race organized by the Kelowna Running Club. The Midsummer 8k has been a staple of the Kelowna running calendar for over 30 years and this year sees its return after a two year absence due to Covid-19.

“I can’t wait to see everybody’s smiling faces this weekend as we welcome them back to this race” enthuses co-race director Janice Bradshaw, “It’s always been a fast route with lots of opportunity for runners to set PBs and with Malindi and Trevor racing, we’re in for a quick one this year!”

The race is not only about those at the front though, as Janice goes on to explain: “We have designed this event to be a fun experience for everyone involved. We have a great course, a welcoming atmosphere and we’ve had a lot of support from our local businesses who have donated supplies and draw prizes.” Race day also features a kid’s race organized by local pioneering charity, Mamas for Mamas, so this is an event for the whole family to enjoy.

Elmore and Hofbauer are currently on excellent form and have followed up their Olympic successes with even faster times earlier this year at the Boston Marathon, with Elmore posting a 2:27:58 and Hofbauer a 2:10:52. With these times on the board, the stage is set for a quick finish this weekend.

For those looking to catch a glimpse of the pair as they dash by, the race route is an out- and-back course that begins at Boyce-Gyro Beach Park and follows Abbott all the way down to the turnaround in City Park. Registration for the race is open until Saturday June 9th at 6pm so if you’d like a chance to run alongside these inspirational athletes, this is your chance.

For more information, to donate to the UBCO Heat XC team, or to sign up for the race you can head to www.midsummer8k.ca