‘I’m exhausted but it felt great’
From setting personal records to raising mental health awareness, P.E.I. marathoners had a number of reasons to run on Sunday
Joan Murchison knew it was now or never.
The 60-year-old Islander chose the former when she laced up her running shoes on Sunday.
Murchison completed her first ever marathon when she crossed the finish line with friend BJ Willis during the 14th annual Prince Edward Island Marathon.
“I’m exhausted but it felt great,” said Murchison while explaining the run was a birthday gift to herself. “I just turned 60 so it was my time. If I was going to do one I knew it had to be for my 60th birthday, it was now or never.”
Murchison wasn’t the only runner to hit a milestone on Sunday, with many remarking they had set new personal records during the event. Race director Myrtle Jenkins-Smith said she felt this year would probably see the most personal bests set by runners.
It was no surprise with a combination of a large field of participants as well as seemingly perfect weather of mild temperatures, no rain and little wind.
“There was not a lot of wind and that’s usually a big factor,” said Jenkins-Smith.
Jenkins-Smith noted the marathon’s first year saw a field of 173 runners and has since grown to include participation of more than 2,000 Islanders and visitors from across the globe.
“I’ve been talking to people from Australia, Tokyo and Utah, it’s amazing where people are coming from… it’s a huge event for our city, hotels and restaurants are full,” she said, noting that this year also saw the marathon named as one of the top five Boston Marathon qualifiers in Canada.
“It’s quite a feat for us in
P.E.I.”
This year also saw some added significance for many Islanders.
For the first year ever, the marathon was held in support of the Canadian Mental Health Association’s P.E.I. division.
Supporting mental health while also promoting physical health and wellness was a perfect pairing, said Jenkins-Smith.
The event also showcased P.E.I.’s picturesque landscapes to the many runner from outside the province.
Barb MacDonald, Parks Canada external relations manager, was a welcoming sight to most of the runners on Sunday. MacDonald was stationed at the finish line and handed out medals while other Parks Canada employees hosted a photo booth where runners could get their picture taken.
“As a memento of their run,” said MacDonald.
While Parks Canada has been involved in the marathon since it began, since the starting line is inside P.E.I.’s national park, MacDonald said the organization became a medal sponsor last year and spoke of the event’s importance.
“The whole marathon is such a strong, important community even and we like to promote healthy, active living,” said MacDonald.
“I think it’s been awesome, there was a big turnout and it’s been amazing to see all the young kids involved and the wheelchair (1 km race) as well, it’s wonderful.”