Blue Nose International Marathon Sprints into Fifth Year

Date: 29/02/2008

Author: Suzanne Fougere

Friday, February 29, Halifax, NS - Wearing wacky blue noses and giant clown shoes, 25 awkward sprinters competed today in a foot race to mark the start of training for the 5^th annual Blue Nose International Marathon and race weekend.

This year, the Blue Nose Marathon and race weekend will take place from May 16-18 and is expected to draw close to 8,000 runners and walkers of all levels.

"When we envisioned this race five years ago, we dreamed it would one day grow into an annual celebration of our community and healthy lifestyles," said Gerry Walsh, co-founder of the Blue Nose Marathon. "Each year, it's exciting to see the number of participants grow, the level of community interaction increase, and more and more people embracing positive changes."

The fifth year celebration began today when 25 parents sprinted across Parade Square in an effort to win their children and friends an exclusive private skating party at the Halifax Metro Centre, complete with healthy treats from McDonald"s and a visit from members of the Halifax Mooseheads hockey team. Like the Blue Nose Marathon and race weekend, this prize package was created to encourage more families to become active together.

The Blue Nose Marathon and race weekend is the largest event of its kind east of Ottawa. Offering something for runners and walkers of all ages and skill levels, the three day event includes six unique race categories: Scotiabank Full Marathon, Volkswagen Half Marathon, The Chronicle Herald 10k Race, Dempster's 5k Run-Walk, McDonald's Team Relay, and Doctors Nova Scotia Youth Run.

To better meet the needs of runners and walkers, the Blue Nose Marathon will return this year to its home at the World Trade and Convention Centre / Halifax Metro Centre. In addition, changes have been made to improve the race route and better showcase Halifax and its landmarks. While the main route showcases peninsular Halifax, full marathon runners will also cross the Macdonald Bridge and run through Dartmouth.

"With 76 days remaining before the start of 2008 Blue Nose Marathon and race weekend this is great time to register and start training," added race co-founder Rod McCulloch.

For more information or to register, visit http://www.BlueNoseMarathon.com

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For more information, please contact:

Suzanne Fougere

Blue Nose International Marathon Communications

Tel: 457-6439

Cell: 441-0505

Suzanne.fougere@msvu.ca

Michelle Perry

Blue Nose International Marathon Communications

Tel: 424-3731

Cell: 221-6483

Perrymx@gov.ns.ca