The Chronicle Herald (Provincial)
Barrington Passage race ready to go Sunday
A record field of runners is registered for the Nova Scotia Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and 6K runs on July 25 in Barrington Passage.
“We have more people registered than we've ever had before because it's one of the only in-person events happening so its vasty popular right now,” says Misty James, recreation director for the Municipality of Barrington and race director.
With each race capped at 150 entrants, at the time this story was written there were only a few spots left in the 6K that were open, said James, which she expected would fill up with local runners.
“Otherwise, everything is full and has a waiting list so we're looking at 600 people coming,” says James, adding there are almost another 100 people registered to participate virtually.
To comply with COVID public health safety guidelines, no spectators will be permitted at the start and finish lines this year, but there are lots of places along the route for people to cheer the runners on.
“We encourage them to do that,” James says. “It means a lot to the runners for the local community to cheer them on. It would be really good for them to hear a lot of support along the route.”
There will also be a staggered start to this year's races, which begin on Sherose Island. The start times are 7 a.m. for the full marathon; 7:30 a.m. for the half marathon; 8 a.m. for the 10K and 8:30 a.m. for the 6K.
Participants will be required to wear a mask at the start line but as they begin to spread out they can remove it. Participants will be assigned their placement based on self assessment upon entry to the start line. Fastest will be at the start of the wave followed by slowest.
James was still looking for some volunteers to help man the water stations along the route on race day.
“It's an easy job. We supply everything. It's all set up. You just have to put water and Gatorade out for runners to pick up as they run by and clean up the garbage," she says. "We do have about 14 water stations on the route. Some are there for every runner. Some will only see the full marathoners go by. Some are shorter terms, but it's just the morning so you would be out on the course between 7 to 1.”
Anyone willing to give a hand can register through the Barrington Municipal Recreation Programs and Facilities Facebook page or by phoning the recreation department. All volunteers have to be registered to comply with COVID rules for contact tracing and other guidelines, said James.
James says there is a committee of volunteers who “do a pile of work,” such as planning and filling race kits. When it came to organizing this year's marathon, a lot of things had to be done – and also differently from other recreational programs that have been adhering to and following COVID rules.
Run Nova Scotia won't be at the finish line this year, nor will the traditional award reception happen.
“Run Nova Scotia made a decision not to do the Nova Scotia Road Race series this year so we are missing that support and had to fill in a few blanks they left,” says James, adding they have given their moral support.
Runners in this year's marathon road races are mainly from Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada, as opposed to the international athletes who are usually in the mix.
“Overall people are excited something is happening," says James. "I think it's good for people in general even, if they're not a runner. Just to see things going back to normal means a lot."
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Nova Scotia Marathon, which was first held in eastern Shelburne County in 1970.