Oxford School Takes Up the Blue Nose Challenge And Celebrates Being Active

Date: March 27th, 2007

Author: Lori Ann Comeau

Oxford School Takes Up the Blue Nose Challenge

And Celebrates Being Active

March 27, 2007 (Halifax, NS)  - Myles, the Blue Nose International Marathon mascot, stopped in at Oxford School today to promote getting fit and celebrate the training efforts of the school's running club.  Running club members are training for the Blue Nose Marathons Doctors Nova Scotia Youth Run and representing their school as a member of Team Myles.

Doctors Nova Scotia promotes 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. This year, more than 30 schools will participate in the Blue Nose Marathon's Doctors' Nova Scotia Youth Run.  Organizers are aiming to get 3,000 youth walking or running the 4.2 km event on Saturday May 19.
 
"Doctors Nova Scotia is excited to be involved in the fourth year of the Blue Nose Marathon. The Youth Run is an exciting event for runners and spectators alike, showcasing thousands of Nova Scotian children being physically active and living a healthy life," says Dr. Rhonda Church, President of Doctors Nova Scotia. "The members of Oxford School's youth running club are setting a great example for their friends and classmates as they prepare for this years youth run.  Keep up the great effort!"
 
Derek Linders knows first hand the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. In front of about 100 students at Oxford School, Linders says adding exercise to his daily routine saved his life.  He shared his personal story of turning his life around while training for the 2005 Blue Nose Marathon.  That year, he lost 100 plus pounds, completed the half marathon and in 2006, he walked the full marathon.  This year, he strives on walking and running the marathon twice - that's 84+ kilometres!

"Don't be nervous about training for the Youth Run," he told the crowd.  "Give yourself a chance to surprise yourself.  We're capable of so much more than we think.  And what better way to get active now as the warm weather arrives. It doesn't matter if you walk or run, just get out there and have fun!"

"Oxford School is delighted to be participating in the Youth Run again, this year," says Principal Allan Gaskin.  "Over 100 students will be running or walking over the upcoming weeks as they prepare for this exciting day. At Oxford, we encourage our students to be active in all that they do.  Our students are increasing their fitness level and having fun.  Their commitment to train over the upcoming weeks, offers many rewards to them both in wellness and team spirit.   I am so proud of our students as they take on this challenge."

The routing for the Youth Run is NEW and IMPROVED for 2007. Starting and finishing inside SMU Huskies Stadium and including a portion of Point Pleasant Park promises to provide an exciting new experience for all our young runners and walkers.

The Blue Nose International Marathon encourages and challenges participants at all levels - first timers, walkers, runners and seasoned marathoners.  The Blue Nose Marathon is set for May 18 - 20, 2007.  For more information on the Blue Nose International Marathon, Doctors Nova Scotia Youth Run, additional events or to learn more about Team Myles's training progress, visit www.BlueNosemarathon.com.

For more information, please contact:

Lori Ann Comeau
Media Relations
C: (902) 448 1891
W: (902) 425 1448
E: loriann@cheerful.com