THUNDER BAY – The 10 Mile Road Race will celebrate its Centennial birthday on Monday May 24 2010. Mark Smith, the Race Director, is pleased to invite runners, volunteers spectators and sponsors to participate in this special event.
“We have introduced several new features for the race this year,” explained Smith. “Information on these new features as well as other information on the race is on our web site 10mileroadrace.org. Come and partake in the 100th birthday of the 10 Mile Road Race. “
John Trevisanutto, President of Half-Way Motors, announced, “Half -Way Motors, as the Presenting Sponsor, is providing cash prizes to the top 3 male and female finishers. The prizes are $1000 for 1st, $500 for 2nd and $250 for 3rd place.” We hope that this will add extra excitement to the race for both runners and spectators and draw more runners from further away.”
Trevisanutto also announced that special commemorative medals will be presented to all those who complete the race. “This medal will serve to mark this special legacy event and serve as an added enticement for people to come out and run the race, either as individuals or on a relay team.”
The Thunder Bay Professional Firefighters Association has been the title sponsor of the race since 2004. The firefighters have provided funds, volunteers and logistical support for the race.
Eric Nordlund, the Association President explained “The Firefighters Association is introducing a new Trophy in memory of Edward Foekens.While training for this year’s race, he passed away suddenly.”
Nordlund said “This trophy will be awarded to the first junior firefighter to finisher the race and will be a way of remembering our colleague.”
To attract and introduce more people to the race, Mark Smith explained the new relay categories.” There is a Family Fun Relay category. The Family relay team consists of 5 members with at least one being an adult and one a youth. There is also a 3 person relay team consisting of 3 runners who are 60 years and over. And we have our regular youth and student relay teams of 5 members. We hope these relay categories, will give people the opportunity to participate in this great running event.”
Another new feature for 2010 is the extended days and times for the runners to pick up their race kits. On Thursday and Friday May 20 & 21 from 4 to 7 pm, plus Saturday May 22 from 1 to 4 pm, the kits can be picked up at the new show room at Half –Way Motors 940 Memorial Ave. And as in previous years, kits can be picked up at 4 pm on Sunday May 23 prior to the traditional Pasta Dinner at the Columbus Centre.
To prepare for the 10 mile road race there are a variety of running clubs who support the race by offering group training runs. Mark Smith expressed his appreciation to groups such as:
The Fresh Air Experience 10 Mile Training group, The Meter Eaters Running club the Lakehead Athletic Club Masters Group and the Adventure Group for their support to runners both seasoned and novice.
In summing up Mark Smith again offered a warm invitation to all by saying, “For those interested in participating in this event as a runner, volunteer, spectator and/or a sponsor, visit our web site; 10mileroadrace.org, or phone 625-2544. Thanks for supporting this legacy community event.”
The early entry deadline is May 18 and the final entry deadline is May 22.