Learn to Run / Return To Running

SPRING/SUMMER LTR/RTR IS NOW FULLY BOOKED – We will reach out to all registrants on June 1st with all the details!

Our Learn To Run (or Return to Running) program is a free program offered by Vancouver Frontrunners to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and allies. Start date: Saturday, June 3 2023 (late registrations are accepted, please sign up)! See Program Info for all the details.

LTR/RTR is an introductory all-levels running clinic designed to get you in just 7 weeks from your couch or yoga mat to becoming comfortable to run 5 kilometres or more, depending on your starting point. And you’ll have fun while getting there!

The progressive program sets achievable goals, utilizes a graduated system of running and walking intervals, and can accommodate new runners or runners with some experience returning from an absence. Informative, social and fun, you’ll find the group motivates and inspires you to return each week!

Funded by the Government of Canada

This free program includes professional instruction in warm-up and stretching techniques, kind coaches and a welcoming and inclusive environment. Bonus: The first 30 registrants receive a free Vancouver Frontrunners tech T-shirt and a free entry to the 2023 19th Annual Vancouver Pride Run & Walk 5/10km, held in Stanley Park on Sunday, July 23!

Program Info

Key Dates: Start date Saturday, June 3rd; the program completes on Saturday, July 22.

Commitment needed: The program revolves around two in-person sessions a week on Saturday mornings and Wednesday evenings and a recommended at-home session. You can be successful if you can only make one of the weekly in-person sessions regularly.

Times & Locations: Saturdays at 9:00 am at Brockton Oval, Stanley Park; Wednesdays at 6:30 pm at Roundhouse Community Centre in Yaletown – see Run or Walk With VFR for location and other details.

Cost: Free, courtesy of a Government of Canada ParticipACTION grant and Vancouver Frontrunners.

You’ll need:

  • Suitable attire for late Spring/Summer running.
  • Running shoes.
  • If you want to stash gear while running, your padlock for Roundhouse and Brockton Oval Fieldhouse lockers.
  • Recommended: Log your training runs using the ParticipACTION app on your phone.

If you need advice on gear or if your financial situation would prevent your participation in the program, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for recommendations and other assistance.

We’ll provide you with:

  • A welcoming and inclusive environment that motivates you to return each week!
  • A free VFR program tech T-shirt.
  • Experienced and empathetic coaches.
  • A structured program, PDF handouts, and weekly reminder emails.
  • Professional instruction on warm-ups and post-run stretching.
  • At the end of the program, a free entry to the 2023 19th Annual Vancouver Pride Run & Walk 5/10K in Stanley Park on July 23!

The Bare Minimum Terms & Conditions

We do this for the love of our community, running, walking, and promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles, and we have only a few conditions:

  • Participants must sign a Waiver of Responsibility at their first session, a copy of which follows. If you have any questions about your ability to participate, consult with your healthcare professional.
  • Our community is beautifully diverse, and we insist everyone maintain a friendly, respectful, and welcoming environment.
  • Free T-shirts and other offerings will be provided during the 7-week program to regularly attending participants. It’s a carrot, yes, and carrots are good for you!

Waiver of Responsibility

VANCOUVER FRONTRUNNERS CLUB
operating as
VANCOUVER FRONTRUNNERS
(the “Organization”)

WAIVER AND RELEASE
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING.

By signing below, the Participant or the Participant’s Guardian (if applicable), represents that he or she understands and acknowledges the risks, dangers, and hazards which are inherent in accessing, visiting, and using the properties, facilities, installations, events and equipment owned, leased, operated, controlled, or used by the Organization, including public and private properties, facilities, installations, events and equipment owned, leased, operated, or controlled by third parties but used by the Organization (collectively, the “Premises”), which risks include, but are not limited to: the potential for bodily injury or illness (including contraction of COVID-19); contact or interaction with others who may have been exposed to COVID-19 or other pathogens; close proximity to or contact with surfaces, equipment, fixtures, or other objects that may be infected with COVID-19 or other pathogens; permanent disability, paralysis, or loss of life; collision with natural or manmade objects; tripping hazards; imperfect venue or field of play conditions; equipment failure; negligent use of the Premises by others; inadequate safety measures; and risks arising from the negligence of the Organization (collectively, the “Risks”).

In consideration for allowing the Participant to access, visit, and use the Premises (for any permitted purpose, including visiting, running, participating in running events, participating in social events, working as an employee, volunteer, or contractor, or providing or receiving running lessons or coaching), the Participant or the Participant’s Guardian (if applicable): (a) releases, discharges and forever holds harmless the Organization and its partners, sponsors, agents, affiliates, directors, officers, contractors, employees and volunteers (collectively, the “Releasees”) from any and all liability for damages or losses arising as a result of the Risks, including liability arising from breach of contract, breach of statutory duties of care (including any duties of care owned under the Occupiers Liability Act (British Columbia)), and negligence on the part of the Releasees; (b) waives any right to sue the Releasees in respect of all causes of action (including those arising from the negligence of the Releasees), claims, damages or losses of any kind that may arise as a result of the Risks or in connection with access or use of the Premises, including without limitation the right to make a third party claim against the Releasees arising from the same; and (c) freely assumes the Risks and anything incidental to the Risks which may arise as a result of or in connection with access to and use of the Premises.

YOU ARE GIVING UP LEGAL RIGHTS TO ALL CLAIMS AGAINST THE RELEASEES. BY SIGNING BELOW, YOU CONFIRM THAT YOU HAVE READ AND FULLY UNDERSTAND THIS WAIVER AND RELEASE.

This project has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada.