CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — There are many partnerships we at the Prince Edward Island Marathon cherish – our sponsors, volunteers and service providers to name a few.
One partnership we are particularly proud of is with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), P.E.I. Division. We are proud to help raise both awareness and funds to support mental health research and programs on P.E.I.
Through several fundraising efforts surrounding the events of this coming race weekend, along with our other races in the Evermore 5km race held in Summerside and the Georgetown races, our participants have raised significant funds for the CMHA that stay right here on Prince Edward Island.
Just as important as the funds being raised, is the awareness and the conversations around mental health that our partnership can help facilitate.
Many studies have linked physical and mental health together on one’s journey to total health. We feel very proud of the fact that we offer up a platform and something for everyone’s goals in our race weekend. We have made children a priority with our Kids Fox Trot event and have been able to offer it free of charge since our beginnings.
Stan Chaisson, a multiple marathon winner and record holder of our full marathon, half marathon and 10k running events speaks openly about the benefits running has provided him in finding balance in his life, a way to distress, sip in fresh air and sunshine and meditate in a video clip bringing awareness to our partnership. It is these kind of open conversations we are proud to provide a backdrop for. To hear it from such an accomplished and local runner makes us all listen a little more intently.
“There is no health without good mental health,” says longtime CMHA board member John Horrelt. “We are thrilled with our partnership with the P.E.I. Marathon as it has grown to facilitate many Islanders’ personal goals. Physical fitness is an integral part of mental health and vice versa. It’s a natural fit for us to partner.”
So, this weekend is much more than just the time on the clock as you cross the finish line or are there cheering on someone completing a race, it is the backdrop to many personal stories. These stories can be of triumph, loss, profound grief, jubilation and everything in between.
One of my favourite places on earth is the finish line on Sunday. While we don’t get to know everyone’s stories of what drew them to participate, we see such a wide range of intense emotions crossing the finish line. It is a beautiful display of raw human emotion and really is something to behold.
We invite you to come cheer someone on, take it all in and get inspired. There are still many ways you can contribute to the CMHA and they would love your help and involvement.
Cheryl Paynter is a longtime P.E.I. Marathon board member. She will be contributing weekly columns leading into this year's marathon weekend, which runs Oct. 18-20.
Related link:
• Traffic advisory for P.E.I. Marathon race day Oct. 20
• Believing in your training and in yourself keys on race day
