More than 2,000 runners raced through Eastern Passage and Cow Bay last weekend in the first Maritime Race Weekend.
Cole Harbour resident Celene Hecimovich was one of them.
"It was a beautiful, enjoyable run," said the 54-year-old who won her age division in the 10K. "With the combination of sun and the fog at points the scenery added to the run, for sure."
On Friday night, more than 900 runners headed out from Fisherman's Cove to race the 5K.
"The sunset was amazing," said Cindra Muzzerall who came to Metro from Barss Corner to take part in both the 5K Friday night and the 21k the next morning. "At one point during the 5K the sun was setting over the ocean. I wanted to stop and say, look, this is why I run. This is real beauty."
David Milloy was eager to get started before his half marathon. The Bedford resident said he chose to enter this race because it was not your average run.
"It is about time we had a run with a theme. Seeing all these pirates running around dressed up. It adds to the atmosphere."
Race directors Michelle Kempton and Stacy Chesnutt set out to provide a unique running experience.
Before the race even started the band Sunday Run provided some inspiring tunes. Pirates wove through the crowds and cheered encouragement throughout the entire weekend.
Waterstops along the route were even manned by greyhound dogs dressed in costumes. And many residents came out onto their porches to cheer, clap and offer support.
"Keep going," said one elderly gentleman. "You're a tough one."
Halifax resident Brent Fiander said he was happy with his half marathon results.
"I had fun and it was a wonderful race."
Kempton said the host community was phenomenal, showing visitors true East Coast hospitality and community spirit.
"Participants were enthusiastic and embraced the idea of an outdoor spandex kitchen party," she said." We appreciate the overwhelming support from the running community to help us revolutionize racing on the East Coast."
joanneoostveen@accesswave.ca
Check out next week's Weekly News for a photo feature from this event!
WINNERS
The winner of the 5k Friday night was Dartmouth's Dave Nevitt in a time of 18:22. Nevitt ran the full marathon on Saturday morning and won that event too. His time for the 42.2K race was 3:00:03. This was Nevitt's 98th full marathon and he said it was good to run in a race like this in his own community.
The winner of the 10K was another Dartmouth runner, Ian Henman. He ran it in a time of 35:53.
