Darcy Walters of Jumpstart (left) and Katie Maximick from Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation (right) pose with Glenn Hascarl, organizer of the 6th annual Spin-a-Thon that was held March 4th at the Comox Community Centre.

Comox, BC – Spinning together was the goal of the 6th Annual Spin-A-Thon at the Comox Community Centre which took place on Saturday, March 4. With twenty teams participating in the 12 hour Spin bike marathon, the community came together to raise over $14,000 and cycled 5342 kilometers.

The grateful recipients; Canadian Tire JumpStart and Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation both give Comox Valley low-income residents and families the opportunity to play sports or attend vital wellness programs that can help prevent substantial health issues in the future in a fun and active way.

“Our focus for this event was to encourage healthy lifestyles for young and old in our community, while bringing together a team-building and family-friendly atmosphere for all,” explains Katie Maximick, Communications & Fund Development for Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation. “We love seeing people from the community come together to help support those who are in need.”

Some special additions were added to this year’s new 12 hour event including an Early Riser Breakfast sponsored by McDonald’s, a BBQ by donation sponsored by Royal LePage Shelter Foundation, Thrifty Foods and Comox Fire Rescue, and a grand prize draw for a $500 Canadian Tire shopping spree. New this year, each hour was an instructor lead spin classes by local spin instructors who volunteered their time. Participants could also take part in Try It Fitness classes throughout the event, kids activities including an Inflatable Obstacle Course and Boys and Girls Club of Central Vancouver Island lead activities, and lots of prizes for the hard working cyclists.

All proceeds from the annual Spin-a-Thon at the Comox Community Centre go to support Canadian Tire’s JumpStart program to help local children participate in sports, as well as the Take Heart and Breathe Well Exercise Program for local residents who suffer from chronic heart & lung conditions.

Darcy Walters from Jumpstart also shared in instructing a spin class during his hour. “The atmosphere and participants enjoyment make putting an event like this together such a success.”

A huge thank you goes out to our generous Yellow Jersey sponsors: 97.3 The Eagle, Canadian Tire, Comox Valley Echo, Odlum Brown and the Town of Comox.

Our Green Jersey sponsors: Berwick Comox Valley, City of Courtenay, Comox Fire Rescue, Ives Burger Barristers & Solicitors and Mountain City Cycles.

Our Polka Dot jersey sponsors: Blackfin Pub, Invis , McDonald’s, Thrifty Foods and Water Pure & Simple.

Many thanks to all of our wonderful prize donations from Avalanche Bar & Grill, Blackfin Pub, Black’s Cycle, Blue Toque Sports, Canadian Tire, Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation, Comox Valley Regional District, Fineline Embroidery Graphic Design, Gravity MTB, ELM, Milano Boutique Coffee Roasters, Mountain City Cycle, Mt. Washington Alpine Resort, Simon’s Cycles, and Trail Bicycles. Special thanks to the City of Courtenay who donated their spin bikes for the event.