‘Great energy’: Rain can’t slow runners at Blue Nose Marathon
The 22nd annual Blue Nose Marathon in Halifax saw thousands of runners brave the wet and cloudy weather to participate in the event. Among them was Halifax’s Maksym Pokotylets, who clinched first place with a time of two hours, 33 minutes, and nine seconds. Toronto’s Tamara Kwast also made a mark by finishing first in her division and being the first female to cross the finish line in 2:53:54.
One heartwarming moment from the marathon was when Alexandra Quimby completed the race while holding her baby, Wally, in her arms. Quimby, who recently moved to Nova Scotia from Ontario, described the experience as “fun” despite the challenging weather conditions. She finished second in her division and 14th overall, completing the marathon in just under three hours.
The Blue Nose Marathon wasn’t just about individual achievements; it was also a platform for fundraising organizations to make a difference. Over $250,000 was raised during the event, with Dartmouth animal shelter Bide Awhile raising over $12,000. Sam Cole, the organization’s communications and marketing co-ordinator, participated in both the 5K and 10K races to support the cause.
Despite the rain making the run a bit more challenging, Cole emphasized the joy of raising money for the animals. “Shoes are definitely soaked, got a few blisters from the water, and the bridge was a struggle with the wind and the rain, but at the end of the day, it’s fun to take part and the energy here makes up for it,” she said.
The Blue Nose Marathon not only showcased the determination and resilience of the runners but also highlighted the spirit of community and support for various causes. It was a day filled with inspiring stories and memorable moments that will be cherished by all who participated.
