THUNDER BAY – The excitement is building, the training is done, and about 800 people are gearing up to run in the Thunder Bay Marathon. The route will cover a lot of the city, with the start and finish in the downtown Port Arthur core.
The inaugural Thunder Bay Marathon – Miles with the Giant race weekend is here. Over 822 participants are registered to date including 128 full marathoners, 543 half-marathoners and 151 runners and walkers in the 5K.
Special guests in the event include:
– Gilbert Kiptoo, Kenya, winner of the 2010 Ten Mile Road Race;
– Mike Booth, Winnipeg, MB, four time winner of the Manitoba Marathon;
– Philip Kipchumba, Kenya, third place, 2010 Ten Mile Road Race; and,
– Eric Mbaabu Kanyuur, Kenya
Saturday night: Pasta Dinner with Guest Speaker Dick Beardsley
Italian Cultural Centre 6pm (Tickets available for purchase at kit pick-up. $16/person: $10 children age 3-10)
Race Day Entertainment & Ceremonies
Pagoda Celebration Area, Corner of Water Street & Red River Road
The Pagoda Celebration Area is the place to be with concessions, entertainment, face
painting and exhibits. Bring the whole family to cheer on our participants and join the fun!
11:00am Entertainment by Carlo Capello
12:00noon RBC Award Ceremonies – Minister Michael Gravelle, MPP, Thunder Bay-Superior North and Bill Mauro, MPP, Thunder Bay-Atikokan will participate.
1st 2nd 3rd Place and Top Northwestern Ontario Finisher
($12,000 Total in cash awards to be presented)
1:00pm Entertainment by Shy-Anne Hovorka
2:00pm Age Group Award Presentations
For the public, there will be lots of opportunities to view the race.
Race organizers had received some complaints over the scheduling of the marathon occurring on the same day as the Terry Fox Run. However when the race was scheduled, it was not planned for the same date. This year, the Terry Fox run was reportedly moved.
The behind the scenes work accomplished by the Thunder Bay Marathon organizers and volunteers demonstrate once again the enthusiasm and dedication of volunteers in the city.
“We’re extremely pleased to have an exceptional group of dedicated volunteers who are working behind the scenes to bring Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario its first marathon, half marathon and 5K race weekend. Our community is excited to be developing a signature healthy, active lifestyle event for the region,” stated Barry Streib the President of the Thunder Bay Marathon.