Cathy Beaumont, longtime volunteer and new half marathon runner!
More than just long-term runners of the BMO Vancouver Marathon, RUNVAN Community Ambassadors are leaders in Vancouver who embody the Vancouver International Marathon Society’s mission, vision, and values. Elite and recreational runners, business leaders, or local heroes, these superstars find joy in motivating and inspiring others through running. They’re also comfortable with public speaking and tend to be regulars at our running events throughout the year.
[hr]
Cathy Beaumont is a BMO Vancouver Marathon volunteer and partner in Treats Designs, a local jewellery business. She was formerly a marketing and communications professional, specializing in working with non-profit organizations. She is an avid member of Terminal City Glass Co-op, an artist-run glass studio, where she is a beadmaker. She also teaches in the Design Essentials program, a year-long intensive for graphic design students that is jointly offered by BCIT and Emily Carr University.
RUNVAN:Take us back to the first time you volunteered at the Vancouver Marathon. How long ago was it? What do you think has changed since then?
Cathy Beaumont: I have been a volunteer with the event since 2005. In the first two years I worked at the finish line, handing out medals, clipping chips (back when we had to do that) and distributing blankets. In 2007 I joined the Cyclist Escort Team and led the group of cyclists supporting the Marafun race for kids. It was always a bit of organized chaos at the start of that race, full of excited kids and watchful parents. When the course changed in 2012 I became a co-captain of the Cyclist Team and organized the cyclists in several zones of the marathon route. In 2013 I captained the volunteers at the Expo, which is what I’ll be doing again this year.
RV: As a volunteer, what keeps you coming back each year?
CB: It’s great to work with other dedicated volunteers–It’s so much fun!
RV: Okay, here’s a silly one: since you work in writing/communications, if you could be any character from a book, who would you be and why?
CB: Sherlock Holmes. Or maybe Hermione Granger. I could go either way.
RV: We always want to know what runners are listening to while they train. What is your favourite song, artist, or band to run to?
CB: U2. (Yes, I know, I am a million years old.)
RV: Any big fitness, health, or wellness goals for 2014?
CB: Since my volunteer duties at the Expo will end on Saturday, I’ll be running the Half Marathon this year! This will be my first long race since I ran the marathon in Toronto in 1983.
Cathy shares more thoughts on volunteering and memories of her past experiences in this video here!
