The heavy rain didn't stop dedicated runners from participating in the fifth annual Gruesome Twosome event on Aug. 24 at Aldergrove Regional Park. 

Everyone was smiling despite the wet weather, said Courtney McQueen, co-founder of Run Like A Girl Adventures, which organizes the annual run.

"Mother Nature decided to challenge us with some very heavy rain in the 24 hours leading up to the event, but that was okay [because] we are super tough, embraced the wet, and became one with the rain," she chuckled. 

As if that wasn't enough, organizers arrived to the site Saturday morning to find the power out in the park, washrooms closed, and some of their course markings stolen. 

"The park manager confirmed with us that the reason the water was turned off affecting the washrooms and water taps we fill our jugs with was because someone or some people vandalized the water system within the park," McQueen said. 

But a few dozen runners still turned out for the run and completed it in the rain with smiles, raising $1,680 for BabyGoRound, a charity that helps provide necessities like cribs, change tables, strollers, baby carriers, high chairs, and breast pumps to families. The charity also makes clothes and diapers available, with families able to visit its store in Vancouver and pick out the items they need at no charge.

"Our events are community driven, community supported, raise funds for different non-profit organizations, and are truly extensions of who we are and come from our hearts," McQueen commented. 

"We can embrace the challenges as they arrive... we don't know what lay ahead and we can only focus our attention on what we can control and how we react in situations of adversity."

The run included a 22-kilometre, 11-kilometre, and one-kilometre route. 

"Aldergrove Regional Park has lots of turns and intersections that take extra time and attention to mark right to ensure safe and proper passage for runners," she said, noting that her and other staff spent at least four hours marking the course. 

Despite the rain and challenges, this year's run beat previous numbers with 180 registrants participating. The event started in 2019 with 80 people. 

Run Like A Girl's next event is in Fort 91原创 on Oct. 5, with proceeds being donated to Abreast In A Dragon Boat.