B12

DARYL STEEVES
ON THE RUN

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The season is off to a great start and this weekend we have one of several "doubles" available to the running community. It wasn't that long ago that we had to search for a race but now there are many times when we have two choices in the same weekend. The first half of our double is the revival of a popular run and hike in Saint John. On Saturday, it's the Hike for Hospice 5-km in Rockwood Park. This great event goes at 11 a.m. and you have a choice of a hike or timed Super Series 5-km race. Hike for Hospice is part of the amazing story of the Greater Saint John Hospice and its drive to build Bobby's Hope House as a residential hospice. Even your small contribution of participation in this event can make a difference. For more information or to register go to www.hospicesj.ca.

The second half of our double weekend is the grand daddy of them all, the Fredericton Marathon. Sunday marks the 31st running of this race in and around downtown Fredericton. From 5-km to 42.2-km there is something for everyone. The marathon and half-marathon start at 8 a.m. followed by the 5-km and 10-km events at 8:30 a.m. All courses feature magnificent views of the St. John River and beautiful downtown Fredericton. You can get more information at www.frederictonmarathon.ca.

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LOOKING AHEAD: If you are looking ahead, the Get your Blood Pumping 10-km is scheduled for May 17 in Saint John. This relatively new event is getting great reviews and is one you should definitely check out.

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RUNNING ON THE RIVER: Last weekend, the Miramichi River Runners May 5-km was a big hit with 40 runners participating. The top male runner was John Lyons of Doaktown in 17:19. The next two spots were a near photo finish as speedster Paula Keating put some real heat on her fellow Miramichier Paul Comeau. Comeau just edged out Keating by a few seconds with times of 18:14 and 18:18 respectively for a very exciting finish. Third place for the men was Raymond Caissie of Richibucto Village in 19:37. On the women's side second place went to Michelle Roy of Frenchville, Maine in 21:40 and third to hometown girl Judy Phipps in 22:34.

Meanwhile in Tracadie-Sheila it was the Gautreau boys of Dieppe setting the pace in the Demi-marathon de L'Acadie. Jean-Guy took top spot with a time of 1:22:57 followed by brother Jacques in 1:23:29. The women's event went to Nathalie Boivin of Bathurst in 1:45:25.

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TIP OF THE HAT: This week our Person on the Run was an easy choice. Facebook was a buzz with talk of his feat, a first for New Brunswick by a very popular and inspiring Nordic walker. Carvel Crabbe of Saint John wanted to have an adventure and to raise the profile of the sport that he loves. So he set off for a walk, a very long walk. Carvel walked the entire length of New Brunswick in 17 days. Totalling more than 515 km that's over 30 km every day. Think about that, he completed better than two marathons every three days - more than 12 marathons in just over two weeks. Congratulations Carvel on an amazing accomplishment.

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CAREFUL OUT THERE: Just a closing reminder to motorists. Cycling season is in full swing. Please remember cyclists are out there trying to stay fit and reduce our carbon footprint. Share the road and maybe a friendly wave. It's good for us all. Gotta run.

Daryl Steeves is the department head of Allied Health at the NBCC Saint John campus. He writes a weekly column throughout the running season. Visit his website at www.ontherun411.com.