Blue Nose Marathon Update - Time Is 'Running' Out

Date: 13/05/2008

Author:

Tuesday, May 13, Halifax, NS - Close to 8,000 runners are set to giv'er on Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18 during the fifth annual Blue Nose International Marathon, presented by Scotiabank.

Race weekend gets under way Saturday, May 17 at 11:00 a.m. when approximately 3,500 youth runners will take part in the Doctors Nova Scotia Youth Run. Celebrating the five-year anniversary of the marathon, race organizers are expecting this year's event to be the largest to date.

Media Accreditation

The media centre bus will be parked all weekend at the corner of Brunswick Street and Carmichael Street, in the Red Zone (the start and finish area).

Media must be accredited to gain access to the Red Zone. Accreditation badges can be obtained in advance by contacting Suzanne Fougere (see below). All media are asked to sign in at the media centre on Saturday and Sunday mornings upon arrival.

Photo Opportunities

Rooftop access will be provided to ensure media can capture the start and finish line. Only accredited media will be provided with access.

In addition to the Red Zone (start and finish line), other ideal locations along the race route to capture participants in action include: the corner of North Street and Agricola Street, Cabot Street, Macdonald Bridge and Maple Street in Dartmouth.

You can also catch Haligonians cheering on participants in front of the YMCA on South Park Street, outside the Provincial Legislature on Hollis Street, in front of the Hydrostone Market or at the corner of Nantucket Street and Victoria Road in Dartmouth.

Street Closures

The following street closures will be in effect on race weekend:

• Brunswick Street. (between Duke Street and Sackville Street) from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday and from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.
• 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Sunday beginning at the Five Corners intersection (west of Citadel Hill)and continuing along North Park Street and Agricola Street to Bloomfield Street.
• The Macdonald Bridge on Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
• Halifax Regional Police will be controlling access to side streets along the race route on Sunday.

Schedule of Event Highlights

Friday May 16, 2008

11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Active Living Expo, World Trade & Convention Centre

6:30 p.m. Running Room Friendship Run, Running Room, Spring Garden Road

6:30 p.m. Leki-Trail Shop Nordic Walk and Talk, Trail Shop, Quinpool Road

Saturday, May 17, 2008

8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Active Living Expo, World Trade & Convention Centre

11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Doctors Nova Scotia Youth Run, Town Clock, Brunswick Street

11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Youth Run Post Race Celebration, World Trade & Convention Centre

Sunday, May 18, 2008

9:00 a.m. Marathon start, Town Clock, Brunswick Street

9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Post-race mixer, Halifax Metro Centre

5:00 p.m. Finish line closes

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. For more information or to register, 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