PACER TEAM
Interested in being a pacer for the Icebreaker 8K? Are you able to keep a steady pace and hold a pacer sign while you run? Are you able to smile and encourage other runners to reach their goals? Reach out to us through the link below and let us know what pace/finish time you are interested in and any previous pacing experience you may have (no experience necessarily required though).
Community Run Ambassador Program
For the 2025 Icebreaker, we welcome back our ambassadors from the previous year, as well as have added one additional ambassador. Our ambassadors have been chosen because they value living healthy and active lifestyles, the importance of building and giving back to the community, and because they are overall rad people! We are always looking for more ambassadors and pacers.
MEET OUR AMBASSADORS
RICHARD SEYMOUR
AMBASSADOR
"Rich" is a Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor at West Richmond Community Center and has lived in Steveston since 2015. Rich grew up in Vancouver playing field hockey, training with the Canadian National Team and won a 1997/1998 National Championship for B.C. As a runner, Rich has completed two full marathons, including the grueling "Run the Rock" on Texada Island, B.C. in 3:59. He has run over 50 races in his life, including 12 half marathons - his fastest being the 2015 First Half which he ran in 1:34.
Rich's fitness regime includes cycle fit, tabata, running, weight training, plus a monthly personal goal. For Rich, fitness and running isn't about being fast or even getting faster; it's about the freedom, the fresh air and helping his mental health. He believes physical health and mental health go hand in hand.
"Running is the best way for me to combat my struggles with anxiety and stress. There is no better way for me to decompress, take out my frustrations or get creative inspiration, then listening to music and going for a run on the dyke." - Rich
Join Richard in Steveston this January at the Icebreaker!
rob reid
AMBASSADOR
Rob is a Manager of Business Process at the Ledcor Group of Companies. Because his work involves lots of meeting rooms, desk time, and travelling to visit project teams, he always looks for a chance to sneak out for a run and stretch his legs.
Rob started running in his late 20's when his first child came along. Running was the perfect excuse to build fitness and steal a little bit of time for himself. For many years he ran alone, until 2017 when he raced in his first half marathon. Since then, he has run many other half marathons, 5K's, 10K's, and a few Icebreaker 8K's.
As a husband and proud father of two children, he loves events like the Icebreaker that allow for the whole family to participate. He can run the New Balance 1K Kidsrun with his kids and have plenty of time to get back to the start line for the Icebreaker 8K. Rob and his two kids are also frequent supporters at the Richmond Olympic parkrun.
Rob has been a proud Richmond resident for over 20 years and you can often find him running in one of his favourite places - on the dyke. Rob believes strongly in setting healthy examples for his kids, his peers, and his community, and strives to support the local running community and many other locally-owned businesses along the way.
erin lee
AMBASSADOR
Erin is a Senior Manager at Rogers Communications in Consumer Care and has lived in Steveston for 20 years, and Richmond for over 35 years. Family involvement in Richmond sports and recreation runs deep for Erin.
Both her husband and son were born and raised in Richmond, and were active in Richmond Soccer programs. Erin's husband, Tim, and son, Jamieson, own and operate Sanctuary Cafe at the south end of No. 2 Road, and community involvement is an integral part of their lives.
Erin started running in her late 20's to stay in shape. Running 5km progressed to 10km, then to half marathons and full marathons. In her late 30's she transitioned to triathalons and completed four Iron distance events by her mid 40's.
Now in her 50's, Erin continues to take a balanced approach to fitness, including gravel riding, backcountry backpacking, weight training, swimming, road cycling, and running.
Kim hall
AMBASSADOR
evan dunfee
AMBASSADOR
Evan has never strayed too far from Richmond. Born and raised here, Evan joined the Kajaks when he was 9 years old, along with his brother Adam. One year later he gave race walking a try, won his first race and from then on knew that one day he wanted to make it to the Olympic podium. In 2016 Evan found himself coming so close to that podium dream when he finished 4th in the 50km race walk. A last kilometre bump in the battle for the bronze medal initially saw Evan promoted to bronze before an appeal saw him back in 4th. Showing true sportsmanship, Evan decided not to appeal further and his 4th place finish and subsequent actions became one of the top stories of the Rio Games.
leslie reilly
AMBASSADOR
Leslie is a long time Richmond resident. She graduated from Steveston High in 1982 and spent her university years in Vancouver before a brief stint in Texas. When it was time to start a family, she and her husband returned to Richmond.
An avid runner since the age of 18, she has run many half marathons and 10 kms, and has run the Vancouver, Portland, Chicago, Boston, and New York Marathons. Qualifying for and running the Boston Marathon in 2007 was definitely a highlight. Her favourite distance is the half marathon, and her best time was 1:38:38 at the First Half in 2009.
Beyond running, Leslie loves road cycling and weight lifting, and is co-owner of the Steveston based gym, Shift and Lift. She loves her community and strongly believes in participating in and giving back to it, understanding that healthy communities help build healthy people.
As a Clinical Social Worker, Leslie is an advocate for the powerful effect of physical activity on mental health, and the importance of strength at every age. For her, running is meditation in motion, and is her favourite activity. She is excited to be an ambassador for the Icebreaker 8K and hopes to continue to share her love of running with others.
shannon sawicki
AMBASSADOR
Shannon Sawicki is a passionate fitness professional and a Steveston local, dedicated to helping others find strength, balance, and joy through movement. A certified personal trainer (FMS), group fitness instructor, and lifestyle & wellness coach (BCRPA), Shannon brings over a decade of experience to the South Arm Community Centre, where her upbeat, high-energy cycle classes have built a loyal following.
In 2024, Shannon was recognized nationally with nominations for Canada’s Top Fitness Trainers and the BCRPA Instructor of the Year, reflecting her commitment to inspiring her community both on and off the bike.
An avid runner, outdoor enthusiast, and mom, Shannon thrives on early morning workouts, yoga in the park, and cheering others on—whether at a local event or from the sidelines of a kids’ baseball game. She’s also an advocate for the mental health benefits of exercise, using her own journey of recovery and resilience to help others discover how movement can heal both body and mind.
Through her brand, Venus Fitness (@venusfitness), and website venusfitness.ca, Shannon shares realistic, inclusive wellness content designed to make fitness approachable for every lifestyle. Her philosophy blends science-based training with mindfulness and fun—because fitness should feel empowering, not intimidating.
As an Icebreaker Ambassador, Shannon is thrilled to bring her energy, positivity, and community spirit to this year’s event. Whether you’re taking on your first race or chasing a personal best, she’ll be there to encourage you every step of the way.
jeremy hopwood
AMBASSADOR
takami shirai
AMBASSADOR
Takami serves as a run leader at Steveston Run Crew where his focus is on creating a warm and supportive community. He treasures the connections that running fosters. To him, it's not just about crossing finish lines, but the shared journey and bonds forged along the way. He often incorporates his love for running into his travels, ensuring that his vacations are centred on events. Japan is a favorite destination, which offers the perfect blend of race energy and relaxation through the serene onsen experiences.
Professionally, Takami's dedication to promoting health extends beyond the pavement. As a physiotherapist, he works closely with a diverse clientele at Pure Motion Physiotherapy in
Steveston. Beyond the clinic, he dedicates his time at Richmond Hospital where he helps individuals overcome injuries and illnesses through functional mobility.
As an ambassador for the Steveston Icebreaker, Takami is excited to be part of a thriving community and looks forward to making more connections through this role.