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Shorter race to replace Surrey marathon this September

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SURREY â€” Runners may be disappointed the Surrey International World Music Marathon isn't returning to city roads this year, but a new 10-kilometre run is set for September.

The event, called Beats on the Street, will take place on a new, more-condensed route that will not pose the traffic problems that surrounded the marathon in the past.

Elizabeth Model, chair of the Surrey Marathon Society, told the Now that the new event will feature a 10K run and a 5K walk on condensed routes so they minimize traffic delays.

"We had a marathon before and a half marathon, and due to the impact in traffic patterns, we've had to scale it back but we've worked very closely with the City of Surrey in the traffic planning of this," she said.

The new route will start at Central City Plaza and stay west of King George Boulevard. It will pass several parks and residential areas to alleviate traffic issues.

"We've tried to divert it with as little elevation as possible ... as well as taking into consideration that we don't go into major feeder routes," Model added.

The time of the run has also been changed so that it will be easier for participants to use public transit.

"Transit is up and running and that was a major problem we did have last year, that SkyTrain wasn't running when we started the run," said Model.

"It's going to be a really good event. It's the only 10K being held that weekend," she added.

Despite the shorter length of the run, the musical nature will remain strong. Every kilometre of the run will feature a different live music station and a concert is scheduled at the finish line.

Organizers have not released a lineup for who will be performing yet but Model said to keep a close eye on their Twitter account (@surrey10k) as they will be making an announcement soon.

Another twist for the run will be a chance for corporate and university teams to have some friendly competition. Organizers will be offering a chance for groups from local schools and businesses to challenge each other to see who can come up with the best theme, colours and costumes.

"That's the way would like to position it is have the universities play against each other and have fun with it," said Model.

"We're going to have some great music and some good themes and some good challenges for every demographic out there," she said.

The Beats on the Street Surrey 10K run is set for Sept. 6 starting at Central City Plaza. The 10K run begins at 4 p.m. and the 5K run at 5 p.m. The post-run concert begins at 6 p.m. with yet-to-be-announced headliners at 7p.m. For more information on the run and concert, visit Surrey10k.com.

matt@mattlaw.ca