Blue Nose Marathon Update

Date: May 19, 2006

Author: Dave Denny

1 day until race weekend!

Over 6,300 runners are set to giv'er this weekend during the Blue Nose International Marathon. Race weekend gets under way tomorrow at 10: a.m. when approximately 2,300 youth runners will take part in the Doctor"s Nova Scotia Youth Run.

Media Registration:

The media centre will be located on the North End of the concourse level of the Metro Centre.  All media are asked to sign in at the media centre on Saturday and Sunday mornings upon arrival.

Media Shuttle:

On Sunday, May 21 there will be one media shuttle provided for those interested in following the race route. The media shuttle will have access along the race route in order to take pictures, etc. There are a limited number of seats available - please call Dave Denny at (902) 497-0905 to book a seat in the vehicle. Note: the Macdonald Bridge will be closed between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. during the marathon.  If we are at the start (9 a.m.) and then go to Dartmouth, we will not be able to make it back for the first finisher of any race because of traffic and the bridge being closed (we'll be using the MacKay).

Photo Opportunities:

• If you're interested in catching runners training for the Blue Nose, check out the Wednesday night or Sunday morning running club - 5K, 10K, marathon and half marathon runners and walkers training with The Running Room gather at 8:30 a.m. every Sunday morning and Wednesday night at 6 p.m. Routes usually take them across the city. There are usually over 100 runners meeting at The Running Room on Spring Garden Road.
  
• Youth Run - Youth training with the Doctor's Nova Scotia Youth Running for fun Program are running daily at schools across the city.

Call for Volunteers:

The Blue Nose International Marathon volunteer committee is still looking to recruit volunteers for course marshals.  This is a great way to participate in this weekend's exciting activities.  This role keeps people on course, directs runners where to go and cheers them along their way.  Volunteers can register by going to www.bluenosemarathon.com 

Schedule of Events:

FRIDAY MAY 19, 2006

TIME                             ACTIVITY                                                      LOCATION

11am - 6pm                   Registration and Race Kit Pick Up                    WTCC, Port Royal Room

11am - 6pm                   Nova Scotia 'Come to life' EXPO                      WTCC, Port Royal Room

6:30pm                         Running Room Friendship Fun Run                   The Running Room

SATURDAY MAY 20, 2006

8am - 9am                    Youth Run Race Kit pick up                               WTCC - Port Royal Room

10am - 11am                 Doctors Nova Scotia Youth Run                         Brunswick Street

10:30 - 12 Noon             Youth Run Post Race Celebration                       Metro Centre

9am - 6pm                    Registration and Race Kit Pick Up                       WTCC - Port Royal Room

9am - 5pm                    Nova Scotia "Come to life" EXPO                     WTCC - Port Royal Room

11am - 3pm                   Tour Tech Speaker's Corner                           WTCC - Port Royal Room

6pm - 9:30pm                Macdonald Chisholm Trask-ING                         Metro Centre

Great Big Pasta Dinner

SUNDAY MAY 21, 2006

7am - 8am                    Race Day Kit Pick Up                                             HMC - Promenade

9am                              Full Marathon / Half Marathon / Relay begin             Brunswick Street

9:30am                         10K Run begins                                                     Brunswick Street

9:40am                         5K Run-Walk begins                                               Brunswick Street

9am - 3pm                    Team Relay STRONG KIDS VILLAGE                        Garrison Grounds

10am - 3pm                   SPRING Massage & Physio Centre                           Metro Centre

9:30am - 3pm                Post Race Mixer & AVW Tel AV Awards Ceremony     Metro Centre

5pm                              Finish Line closes                                                    Brunswick Street

7pm - 8pm                    Volunteer Appreciation Reception                              Fleet Club

8pm - 12                       Blue Nose Post Race Party                                        Fleet Club

General Information:

Street closures: The police will be controlling access along the route as runners progress through the course.

• On Saturday, Brunswick Street will be closed between Duke and Sackville Street from 8 a.m. to noon. Charmichael Street will also be closed between Brunswick and Market Street from 8 a.m. to noon.
• On Sunday, Brunswick Street will be closed between Duke and Sackville from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Charmichael Street will also be closed between Brunswick and Market Street from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  
• On Saturday and Sunday Limited access on the Halifax side will be on Brunswick Street, Sackville, Ahern and North from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Although no streets have limited access on the Dartmouth side, please be cautious on all streets along the race route from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. 
  
• The Macdonald Bridge will be closed to traffic between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. while runners cross the bridge.
  
• Parking: Over the past two years, Waterfront Development Corp has assisted and supported the Blue Nose Marathon by waiving parking fees in the Cunard Lot, Marine Park and Block M. on Sunday, May 21st of Race Weekend.

To make this event a success for all participants and volunteers, the organizers are asking for your help in the following areas:

• Please drive carefully and slowly, and follow the instructions of police authorities along the route.
• Please drive in the opposite direction of the runners/ walkers.
• Please allow for the possibility of extra travel time along the race course

On your marks. Get set. Giv'er!

For more information contact:

Dave Denny

Blue Nose Marathon PR Committee

Mobile: (902) 497-0905

Email: dave.denny@extremegroup.com