We Run for Others

23 October 2013Jeen S

Early last Sunday morning saw Brentwood’s caf filled with excited runners and those who were still not fully awake. However, the excitement and energy was apparent even from those who were shuffling around with their eyes closed, hands clutching a steaming mug of hot chocolate. Why are these students here instead of making use of their highly-valued weekly Sunday morning sleep-in? We were to journey to Victoria to represent Brentwood at the annual Run for the Cure. We all got on the buses and drove down to the University of Victoria arriving at 8:30 just in time to see the sun come up; it was still biting cold. Those who left their hoodies and jackets on the bus employed a technique found in nature to keep warm: penguin-huddling. When that failed, we all went up to the stage area to show off our ‘jazzer-cise’ moves and to get warm for the run which promptly started at 9:15 with much fanfare and excitement. The pack started slowly, trudging beneath the white and pink arch and the serious runners had to navigate their way through the throngs of people in search of clear lanes; most runners were content to take their time and soak up the cheerful atmosphere. Participants were given the choice of a one kilometre walk or a five kilometre run. The crowd, led by many of our Brentwood athletes, surged towards the five kilometre sign. The turnaround point came and went, and as we ran back past the crowd, cheers, shouts of encouragement and high-fives were given all around. The pack thinned as the run progressed and the course became more navigable. The roar from the finish line could be heard from around the corner and many people sprinted the last hundred metres, giving it all they could. Most ran straight towards the buckets laden with chocolate milk; we do not get to enjoy chocolate milk at school very often due to Mr. Patel’s aversion to it. After rest and recuperation, we once again led the charge for the jazzer-cise cool down routine. For the sixth year running, we were presented with the Top Fund-Raising School Award. Mrs. Felix led the fund-raising charge followed closely by Claire D and Kasane E and more than ten Brentonians broke the $500 mark with many achieving well over that amount. Our total of $14,010.00 has earned us a much anticipated music video from our SEC. Congratulations to our participants and volunteers who have, once again, substantiated our mission of outreach and care. Many thanks to the bus drivers, faculty, and Caf Staff who ensured that a hearty brunch greeted our arrival back at Brentwood. Jeen S, Whittall ‘14

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