By Michelle Kempton (Cow Bay Resident, Event Organizer & Runner)
Our community’s marathon organizers are thrilled to report that $24,000 was raised for community groups. In addition to this awesome news, the number of local residents registering for the race doubled from the previous year and volunteers from Eastern Passage & Cow Bay quadrupled. There were also more residents out cheering this year – which is very important to the success of the event.
Maritime Race Weekend offered free learn-to-run and walking clinics for Eastern Passage & Cow Bay residents this summer. Nova Scotia Health & Wellness and Southeastern Community Health Board were instrumental in helping fund this community initiative. As a result, 45 new runners and 14 new walkers from within our community continue to improve their health after the clinic. In addition to receiving shirts, the participants were surprised with healthy snacks and free registration into the Friday Sunset 5K at Maritime Race Weekend (as a reward for their dedication to becoming more active). As a result of the free clinics, our community now has a free running club too.
The 5,000 participants in Maritime Race Weekend came from every province in Canada, plus 12 locations in the United States and Europe. 20% of the participants are from out-of-province. For many, this was their first time visiting Eastern Passage & Cow Bay – and they said – they’ll be coming back. The economic impact and tourist exposure Maritime Race Weekend brings to our community is huge! Most local businesses reported being busier than normal during Maritime Race Weekend and some reported record sales!
Maritime Race Weekend encourages and motivates everyone in our community to get more active – we have runners and walkers of all ages, from young children to adults over 80 years of age!
We hope that you agree, the slight inconvenience of increased traffic and detours during our community’s marathon, are far out-weighed by the positive impact on our resident’s health, local businesses, tourism exposure and the money raised for community groups. Our community member’s patience and support is appreciated beyond what words can express.
With the help and advice from community members, our MLA and Councillor – we made significant improvements on the logistics of the race this year. We believe having community members provide suggestions will help us to continue improving every year. If you want to provide feedback or have ideas, then please send them to: info@MaritimeRaceWeekend.com
There are many ways that you can participate in Maritime Race Weekend next year. Register as a participant (run or walk), or you can volunteer and of course there is always the option to bring a lawn-chair and enjoy the spectacular sight of watching thousands of pirates running our streets!
Please mark next years marathon date of September 11 & 12, 2015 in your calendar and join the fun.
To learn more:
Cell: 902-877-9355
Web: www.maritimeraceweekend.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/maritime.race.weekend
Twitter: www.twitter.com/maritimeraces