An autumn Sunday in downtown Charlottetown is usually tranquil and still - most businesses sleepily opening their doors no earlier than noon as the capital takes a break before starting another busy week.
But yesterday was not a quiet October Sunday. On this day, Charlottetown was abuzz with activity and energy at the P.E.I. Marathon finish line.
Barricades lined the streets, leading runners to the race's end. Large tents housing lively bands allowed for cheerful music to pour into every corner of the city.
And hundreds of people came out to hail marathon participants huffing their way to the finish line.
As each contestant rounded the final curve of University Avenue to the finish line banner, the energetic crowd of supporters lined the barricades and greeted each finisher with loud claps and cheers through the day.
For Mark Smallwood, feeling this energy from the crowd's hurrahs as he made his way to the end of the half-marathon kept him going.
"I was ready to give up a couple of times,'' he said. "But I felt rejuvenated coming down the finishing stretch.''
Some people used bright green thunder sticks to clap support for their friends or family members in the marathon.
Others just stood along the metal barricades, waiting to catch a glimpse of their loved ones as they arrived at the end.
Heather Bowlan stood quietly on University Avenue as she waited for her son Mark to make it to the finish line.
Her look of pride was unmistakable.
"I know how much he's been working and training over the years, and he bikes, too.''
This was his fourth year running in the P.E.I. Marathon, so she's witnessed the marathon's popularity grow ever year.
She said it was fantastic to see how many people came out to cheer on the participants.
"It takes a lot of work to run in this, and I think it's great that every year more people come out to support them.''
The crowd's size and spirit also excited Kim Doyle of Charlottetown.
Doyle said it was energizing to see so many people in the downtown at this normally slower time of year.
"There are thousands of people around - it's such a great day,'' she said.
"I was down in Brighton and people around the community and in the neighbourhood had signs up for their friends to cheer them on.''
These signs, scrawled with messages of support, could be seen scattered throughout the crowd, raised above people's heads to mark their presence and support for the racers.
Two young girls ran alongside their father as he paced his way through the final stretch. They each held big brightly coloured signs - one that read, 'Go Dad!' and the other agreeing with a big 'Yeah!'
Then as the runners finally came across the finish line, they were met by volunteers who draped an aluminum blanket around their shoulders and patted them on the back with a bright smile and a warm "Congratulations. You made it!''
The participants were then guided around the corner to Grafton Street, where more volunteers presented them with drinks, fruit and cookies.
A warm feeling of celebration hung in the air around the successful marathoners, who wore their aluminum blankets and contestant numbers like badges of honour.
A woman holding a small child on her hip beamed with pride at her husband as he jogged into the finish line area.
"We're so proud of you,'' she said, handing him a towel to wipe the sweat from his face.
"I knew you could do it.''
Marathoners turn capital into a beehive of activity
- Published on October 15, 2007
- Published on June 14, 2010
-
Teresa Wright
- Number of views : 227
- Rate
- Top of the page
Comments
-
- Walkers
- - June 21, 2010 at 21:35:04
The walkers should have a little more respect for the runners. Some were walking 5 wide down University Avenue making passing them very dangerous and difficult. They should move to groups of two when people are coming or walk in single file.
-
- Katrina
- - June 21, 2010 at 21:24:36
I think it is really rude to post comments stating that anyone can do a marathon and making it seem like it is not a great accomplishment. It is an accomplishment that takes a vast amount of time, energy and strength. To get up every morning and lace up your sneakers and head out to pound the pavement. To start and finish something that is not possible by everyone, if it was, there would be millions of people running marathon, not just hundreds in PEI. I think you should be embarrassed to put down something that takes an abundance of time and effort and courage. Not everyone can do it, and congratulations to those of you who had the guts to put one foot in front of the other for 42.2 km. Way to go!
-
- lorraine from Clinton
- - June 21, 2010 at 21:12:59
Congratulations Scott for winning the race!
-
- JJB
- - June 21, 2010 at 21:05:26
Seemed as though the event went great! A bigger crowd then last year, and the Caseleys event Tents were very impressive to see in the middle of the road. Im sure the runners, and walkers, appreciated some shade and shelter after the marathon.
Congrats to the organizers and to Caseleys for a job well done! -
- 42k'er
- - June 21, 2010 at 20:43:43
Congratulations to all! One question - if you run the Corporate Relay you get the same medal as a runner who completes the full 42 k him/herself? The medal for FULL Marathoners should be distinct and not shared with those who as an individual only run a portion of the race course. Corporate Relay participants are great to have participating in this evert however, they should have their own individual RELAY medal.
-
- Charlie
- - June 21, 2010 at 20:43:38
A Great Event for sure. But where did the planners take into account the traffic because of Sunday shopping. Doesn't seem anybody took that into account as there were major lineups and delays at every intersection from Sears to downtown.
But congrats to everybody who ran/walked the marathon and all the volunteers on a class event. -
- 42 kers who walked slow
- - June 21, 2010 at 20:34:07
...do not deserve the same medal as those who actually ran this event. Why does everything have to be easy these days? Why is a 42 k slumber-party such a huge deal? I saw some out there in pj's!
Look at the results. Winning times were faster 15 years ago with a tenth of the numbers. Top 10 15 years ago puts me top 5 on Sunday.
Quality, people. Very few deserve a medal or to feel like rock stars, full, half or corporate with those times.
I know. I have been there.
