2008 Blue Nose Quick Facts

Date: 29/02/2008

Author: Suzanne Fougere

This year marks the 5^th anniversary of the Blue Nose Marathon. It's become the premier marathon and race weekend celebration east of Ottawa and during the last four years we've covered a lot of ground.

• May 23 is an important day in our history; after all it was on that day in 2004 that we first turned thousands of runners loose on the streets of Halifax. For the real history buffs, it was also on that day in 1785 that Benjamin Franklin announced his invention of the bifocals. We like to think we invented something just as visionary!
• Since our inaugural event, we've welcomed 14,992 adult participants and 6,985 youth participants - that's 21,977 participants to be exact, 21,978 if you count Myles. This year, we're aiming to add another 8,000.
• Together, these participants have run a total of 277,683 kilometres (172,552 miles) 'that's over 6,600 marathons or the equivalent of running 25 times around the moon.
• As the saying goes, many hands make light work - during the last four years we've accumulated over 80,000 volunteer hours and we're not tired yet.  
• We like to say that participants in the Blue Nose Marathon are running for their community - this grassroots, volunteer driven event has raised over $150,000 in support of the YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth Strong Kids Program. The YMCA Strong Kids Program helps narrow the gap between the need and available financial resources to ensure that children and youth can affordably access YMCA programs.
• Staging the race weekend wouldn't be possible without the support of the more than 70 organizations and corporate sponsors involved in the Blue Nose Marathon.
• Whether you're hunting for a personal best or taking your first steps toward a healthier lifestyle, the Blue Nose Marathon has something for everyone: 
•  Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k Race, 5k Run-Walk, Team Relay and the Youth Run.
• This year's event moves back to the World Trade and Convention Centre and the Halifax Metro Centre and takes place from Friday, May 16 to Sunday, May 18, 2008.
• In true Blue Nose style, this year's route showcases what makes Halifax so great. Runners will take in landmarks such as Citadel Hill, the Town Clock, Province House, Government House, the Halifax waterfront, Keith Hall, Point Pleasant Park, the historic Hydrostone area, Macdonald Bridge, Shubie Park and Lake Banook. It's a beautiful run.

For more information, visit 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