Langara grad’s run gig turns 10

Langara alumnus Mitchell Hudson’s Try Events hosted its first ever Vancouver Hot Chocolate Run on March 1.

Five or 10 K run

Participants chose between a five-kilometre or 10.4-kilometre route, and every person at the Stanley Park Pavillion to cross the finish line won a medal.

Hudson said that is what makes his event different from others.

“Everybody’s a winner,” Hudson said. “For me, that [five-kilometre run] is somebody’s marathon – everybody deserves a medal when they achieve their fitness goal.”

Hudson and his then partner, Pat Palmiere, founded Try Events 10 years ago to take advantage of the Lower Mainland’s beautiful scenery and dedicated running communities.

Running for a good cause

“I’ve always had a passion for health and fitness, so my goal has always been to be in that sort of industry and help people reach their fitness goals,” Hudson said. Hudson said the courses he took at Langara in health and fitness and small business management were his first stepping stones toward creating Try Events.

“If people are interested in getting into event management, the key is definitely having your knowledge background,” Hudson said. “It’s important to take the courses you need to take in order to get a good strong base.”

Try Events hosts an average of eight events per year in locations like White Rock and Burnaby Lake.

Hudson said the events are a charity platform for organizations to fundraise and create awareness. The organization has already donated more than $75,000 to charities.

Reported by Megan Bobetsis