More than a race

Michael Thomas Race Day celebrates one of P.E.I.’s best runners

In 1911, Michael Thomas became the first runner from Prince Edward Island to run in the Boston Marathon. Born in Lennox Island in 1885, he took up running competitively in his 20s and went on to win the Charlottetown Patriot 10-mile race in 1909, 1910 and 1911, in addition to numerous other races around the Maritimes. On Saturday, July 7, runners and walkers can help celebrate the Mi’kmaq long distance runner by participating in the annual Michal Thomas Race Day. A 10K run and 5K run/walk will leave at 8:30 a.m. and a one-kilometre kids dash will start at 10 a.m. All three events start and end at the Stratford Town Hall. “This event is much more than a race,” stresses Lynn Anne Hogan, manager of the Aboriginal Sport Circle, event organizer. To get the celebrations started a cultural opening ceremony, featuring indigenous drummers, dancers and singers will be held at 8 a.m. Participants can register in advance through the Running Room website, and onsite registration will be available at 7:30 a.m. on July 7. Proceeds from the event will support programs the Aboriginal Sport Circle delivers to encourage and provide opportunities for indigenous youth to participate in sport and recreational opportunities. Additional information is available by searching Michael Thomas Race Day on Facebook, or by contacting Lynn Anne Hogan at lahogan@mcpei. ca or (902)-786-4348.