Thousands Take to the Streets for Fifth Annual Blue Nose Marathon

Date: 18/05/2008

Author:

May 18, 2008, Halifax, NS - Thousands of runners and walkers once again
laced up their sneakers and took to the streets of Halifax this weekend
to mark the fifth anniversary of the Blue Nose International Marathon.

This year?s race weekend was the most successful to date, with the
number of participants growing to approximately 8,000. Runners poured
through the streets of Halifax and Dartmouth as they took part in six
race categories: Scotiabank Full Marathon, the Volkswagen Half Marathon,
The Chronicle Herald 10k Race, the Dempster?s 5k Run/Walk, the
McDonald?s Team Relay and the Doctors Nova Scotia Youth Run.

?As a returning runner of this race, I can tell you that each year this
event and experience just keeps getting better and better,? said Gerry
Walsh, co-founder of the Blue Nose Marathon. ?It?s inspirational to meet
all the different people who take part in race weekend and hear their
personal stories.?

Over 1,000 volunteers came together this year to make race weekend a
success. Race weekend was also supported by 26 sponsors and partners.

?Without the energy and enthusiasm of our volunteers and partners we
wouldn?t be able to stage an event of this magnitude,? said Rod
McCulloch, co-founder of the Blue Nose Marathon. ?When we started this
race five years ago, we wanted to create a celebration of healthy,
active living. It?s exciting to see that more and more people feel the
same way.?

This year?s event also enjoyed growing community support. Spectators
cheered on race participants in several cheering sections along the race
routes. Spectators got into the action with costumes, community parties,
noisemakers and music.

As much as $25,000 was raised in support of YMCA Strong Kids Program,
bringing the five year total to more than $175,000.

FINISHING TIMES

Scotiabank Full Marathon
• Men's: Terry Melloy, Bridgewater, 2:48:48
• Women's: Leah Jabbour, Halifax, 3:17:16

Volkswagen Half Marathon
• Men's: Sebastien Flynn, Dartmouth, 1:13:34
• Women's: Robyn Erickson, Bedford, 1:24:56

The Chronicle Herald 10K Race
• Men's: Philip Rasmussen, Halifax, 00:37:39
• Women's: Emily Hamilton, Halifax, 00:40:36

Dempster?s 5K Run/Walk
• Men's: James Hayward, Middleton, 00:16:34
• Women's: Eskedar Temesgen, Halifax, 00:20:23

Mcdonald?s YMCA Team Relay
• New Balance Rising Stars, 2:57:22

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.

To better meet the needs of runners and walkers, the Blue Nose Marathon
returned this year to its home at the World Trade and Convention Centre
/ Halifax Metro Centre. In addition, changes were made to improve the
race route and better showcase Halifax and its landmarks.


For more information, 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