Hit the ground running

16 local runners took part in this year’s Boston Marathon on April 19th.

And now these and many other avid runners from across Northwestern Ontario are ready to take part in the inaugural Thunder Bay Marathon. “Miles with the Giant” will feature a full marathon of 26.2 miles, a half-marathon of 13.1 miles, a 5 kilometre race and a series of associated events that will bring elite and recreational runners and walkers together in Thunder Bay on September 19. It will be the first running of an event of this magnitude in Northern Ontario and the ONLY Canadian Full marathon event between Toronto and British Columbia.

The idea of bringing a world-class marathon event to Thunder Bay was born out of a meeting between event Chair Barry Streib and world famous marathoner, Dick Beardsley. “The support of the business community has been amazing,” says Strieb. Presenting sponsors of the event are the City of Thunder Bay and TBayTel.

With just a few months until race day there is still much to do. Volunteers are needed to help with advance preparations and race weekend activities. Anyone who would like to help can sign up to volunteer on the website.

Runners and walkers of all fitness levels can register online to participate in their choice of race distance – discounted registration fees are available until July 1st. Participants also have the option to raise pledges for one of ten local charities through the “Run for a Reason” pledge program.