Record-Breaking Attendance at Aldergrove’s Gruesome Twosome Event

An estimated 220 runners participated in the sixth annual Gruesome Twosome running event held at Aldergrove Regional Park on the morning of August 23, 2023. The event, which combines a competitive running experience with community involvement, saw a record turnout of participants pushing strollers, numbering around 15. Event director Courtney McQueen, who is also the owner of Run Like a Girl Adventures, expressed her enthusiasm for this increase, noting the event’s origins as a family-focused running initiative.

“This event was created and inspired to be a partner running event,” McQueen said. “At the time when we created it, the partner inspiration came from being young moms and having young children, and we did lots of running with strollers. So the appeal was to bring families together to support each other as partners, run with your stroller.”

Participants could choose from four different race distances: 22K, 11K, 5K, and a 1K “Hooray Fun Run” designed for all ages. The variety allowed families and runners of different abilities to join in, creating a vibrant community atmosphere.

Among the participants was Roxanne Grimbeek, a resident of Maple Ridge, who completed the longest distance as her first half marathon. “I have always been an avid runner,” Grimbeek stated. “I’ve always been in sports growing up, so having a movement that encourages women to get out there and get active has always kind of hit home to me.”

For Nic Knudsen, an Aldergrove runner, this was his first experience with the Gruesome Twosome, but he was familiar with the venue. “I’ve done other races at Aldergrove Lake in the past,” Knudsen remarked. “This is an awesome course. I even do my training here. Lots of hills, unbelievable views of [Mount] Baker and the farmland over at the states across 0 Avenue.”

Local resident Michael Penner expressed his satisfaction, noting that this race marked his sixth of the season. “It’s local, close to home, and it’s very beautiful here in the park,” Penner commented. “So it’s a nice place to go for a run.”

The registration fee for the event included a $5.00 donation to a Vancouver-based nonprofit that assists families in need by providing essential baby gear such as strollers, cribs, clothing, and bedding. This aspect of the event underscores its commitment to community support and welfare, aligning with the goals of both the participants and organizers.

The success of the Gruesome Twosome not only highlights the growing interest in community running events but also emphasizes the importance of family involvement in fitness activities. As more people discover the joy of running together, events like these continue to foster connections among families and promote active lifestyles across generations.