One day after Wellington County was hit by the area’s worst ice storm in years, hundreds of participants hit the road here for the Marden Marathon.
Over 500 walkers and runners braved the rain, wind and cold on April 13 to take part in the third annual event, which is organized by Elora Road Christian School.
“We had good numbers, despite the inclement weather … It was a great success,” said race director Amanda McAlpine.
She noted over 650 registered for this year’s event – almost double from 350 last year – with over 500 actually taking part.
Proceeds from the event, which includes a half marathon (21 kilometres) as well as 10km and 5km races and a 1km family fun run, benefit Groves Memorial Community Hospital in Fergus.
McAlpine said the event raised $18,000 for the hospital in its first two years, but it will be at least a week before organizers know this year’s total, because pledge money is still coming in.
But regardless of the 2013 figure, McAlpine said she was once again blown away by the generosity of those who sponsored and/or donated items to the event, as well as the commitment of participants and the “incredible spirit and energy” displayed by over 100 volunteers at the event.
“It was really incredible to see the community come together on so many levels,” she told the Advertiser. “At the end of the day, it’s about the people.”
McAlpine said she was impressed by the age range and mix of participants, including some very competitive runners as well as many who were competing in their first race, and some who had overcome a lot in their personal lives to take part.
“That was really neat to see,” she noted.
Top finishers
In the half marathon, 162 people participated, led by first-place finisher Ken MacAlpine with a time of 1:20:19. Rob Tolman of Erin finished second (1:24:25) and Mindy Fleming came in third (1:26:50).
Almost half of the top 25 finishers in the 10km event (out of 116 total) were from Centre Wellington, including first place winner Jim Wardle of Fergus with a time of 36:02. Will Jaroszynski placed second (37:10) and Jennifer Jackson came in third (41:39). Perennial top finishers Brianna and Reuben Dolderman, both of Elora, finished fifth and sixth respectively.
In the 5km race there were 217 participants. Scott Brydges of Ariss finished first with a time of 15:46, followed by Rob McDonald of Marden (17:32) and Alexander Maycock of Orangeville (18:15).
