Doctors Nova Scotia Youth Run kicks off Blue Nose Marathon Weekend

Date: May 20, 2006

Author: Dave Denny

Halifax, NS - On your mark, get set, GIV'ER! The Doctors Nova Scotia Youth Run kicked off the Blue Nose Marathon race events early Saturday morning in downtown Halifax.

This year, 2,300 kids signed up to participate in the event. The 4.2 km leg was the result of months of hard training for all who participated in school running programs across Nova Scotia.

The youth run began and ended in front of Halifax"s historic town clock on Citadel Hill. Hundreds of volunteers and spectators were out to cheer on the young runners as they crossed the finish line.

Fifteen year old Erik Merchant of Halifax was the first to cross the finish line. The first female to cross the finish line was 12 year old, Tristan Langley of Belmont, Nova Scotia.

Tracey Crowell, Blue Nose youth run co-chair, was thrilled with this year's turnout. "It's great to see so many youth out running and having so much fun," said Crowell. "They have so much energy and their enthusiasm starts the whole weekend off on a good foot."

For the second straight year Doctors Nova Scotia promoted their Youth Running for Fun program in schools across the province. The program is designed to help youth experience the fun and health benefits of being active. The hope is that they will continue to keep physical activity a part of their daily routine.

"Doctors Nova Scotia is pleased to sponsor the Youth Run because it's important to show youth they can have fun, while still being healthy and active," said Dr. Romesh Shukla, President of Doctors Nova Scotia. "All of the runners who took part today should be very proud of their accomplishments."

The Blue Nose International marathon is the people's marathon -- with diversity to encourage and challenge participants at all levels, first timers and seasoned marathoners. The Blue Nose International Marathon, presented by Scotiabank, is set to run May 19 - 21, 2006 (Victoria Day Weekend) and the weekend's events included: the Full Marathon, the Volkswagen Half Marathon, the Chronicle Herald 10k, the Rogers Wireless 5k Run/Walk, the Head Shoppe Team Relay and the Doctors Nova Scotia Youth Run. For information visit www.BlueNoseMarathon.com 

For more information, contact:

Dave Denny

Media Relations

(902) 497 0905

dave.denny@extremegroup.com