Marathon by the Sea runner in 2019 (Image: Marathon by the Sea Facebook)
The volunteer-run annual Marathon By the Sea will return this July as a virtual marathon after being cancelled in Saint John last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Executive Director Mike Doyle says the decision to host the marathon this year was made in January, and since then, he’s seen a positive response.
“There’s a whole new group of runners out there now that started since COVID, and they seem to be growing all the time,” says Doyle. “We’ve got people from Manitoba that want to do it, we have people in the States that want to do it.”
Participants can register for the four main races: Atlantic Superstore (5km), Source Atlantic (10km), Osco Construction Half Marathon (21.1km) and the full Emera Marathon, (42.2km). The marathon will give out over $5000 in random draw prizes, which runners qualify for once they register.
2021 Marathon By The Sea (Image: Marathon By The Sea Facebook)
Doyle shared that as of April 13, 189 people have signed up for the marathon so far. The runners will receive a limited-edition running face mask and medallion after completing their races which will mailed to them upon completion of their event.
People can also take part in Marathon By The Sea’s Aims Recycling Atlantic Port City Challenge, which can be run in one day or spread out over the month as individual events. Unlike previous years, the 2021 edition of Marathon by the Sea will not be a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.
Doyle says Marathon By the Sea’s dedication and attention to detail has made the 35-year-old event a staple in Saint John.
“I think it’s because we do all the little things where larger events just can’t do it, they just don’t have time when they’re handling large amounts of people,” he explained. “With our event with 2000-2500 people we can do those little things that make a little difference – they tend to notice the little things that you do for them, before they notice all the big things,” added Doyle.
One example of the “little” things is how this year’s marathon volunteers will set up portable water crews and temporary finish lines, depending on volunteer availability.
“It makes their celebration our celebration – it’s very rewarding, especially on the longer distances, to have someone at the finish line,” Doyle said. “It doesn’t take a lot and puts a smile on your face when you see one or two people there, handing a glass of water, and we will be able to pass them their medal as they come across.”
He has seen an increase in socially-distanced groups of runners throughout the pandemic, which is reflected in this year’s Marathon By the Sea participants – 80 per cent are new runners and the remaining 20 per cent are regular attendees.
“There’s a whole group of new runners that are doing it and this year as we get closer to the event, we’ll find out just how many new ones we’re going to get,” said Doyle. “I can go out on any Saturday, Sunday morning — especially on Facebook because a lot of them will use our Facebook site to say ‘I’m going for a run tomorrow, is anyone interested?’ — we get two or three new running groups that are training for the 5k, 10k.”
Registrations for Marathon By The Sea are open until June 30 and events can be completed throughout July. For more information, check out the marathon’s Facebook page.
