Molly Thurston didn’t skip a beat when asked if she would take on the “run captain” position with the Pushor Mitchell Kelowna Apple Triathlon.  Kathy Reesor, the previous run captain, was ready to pass along the torch in anticipation of her new twins, and Molly jumped at the opportunity to be part of one of Kelowna’s largest and longest running sports events.  

Despite being a mom to two young boys, working full-time as a consultant with BC Tree Fruits, and owning/operating a pear and apple farm (Claremont Organic Orchards) in Lake Country, Molly wanted to be a part of the new Apple team and to give back to the community.   

"I got involved because of a love of sport and giving back to the sport," said Molly Thurston. "I think it is important to contribute where we can”.  

Photo Credit: ContributedMolly likes to get active, both competitively and casually with her family!

The run course manager oversees all aspects of the run course set-up, staffing, and aid stations.  A job that begins at 4:30 am on Saturday and Sunday mornings, this year Molly will start her day by filling a cube van with equipment and driving around the course with a crew setting up barriers, pylons, signs and tables.  

Once the sun is up, approximately 100 volunteers will arrive to check in as “run course marshals”, volunteers who ensure that athletes stay on course and remain safe in addition to communicating detours to the public. Molly will also work with teams who man the coveted aid stations where volunteers hand out water and PhD Nutrition, a race recovery drink, to the athletes.  

One of the most important jobs of the run course marshal is to cheer for the athletes and encourage them to stay strong and do their best at the end of the race when times are tough for the tired athletes.  

A former competitive runner, Molly has yet to venture into the sport of triathlon, organizers are hoping she doesn’t catch the bug quite yet as her service is invaluable to the Apple team.  

Photo Credit: ContributedMolly loves volunteering and giving back her community – far more than her youngest likes photographs! 

Please consider joining Molly’s “run course” volunteer squad for the Apple Triathalon on August 20th and 21st!  This week’s featured race position is the Run Course, but there's also plenty of other volunteer opportunities.

The Pushor Mitchell Apple Triathalon race weekend is Kelowna's biggest recurring sports event and has grown to be one of Canada's best and biggest triathlon events. Whether you are participating, volunteering, or spectating, you do not want to miss this race on August 20th & 21st!

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