Inaugural Beary Blue half marathon held in Timmins
Dozens of running enthusiasts in Timmins took to Hersey Lake Conservation Area for the local running club's first Beary Blue Trail Half Marathon.
The organizer, Jeremie Lamothe, said the city has been lacking in competitive running events for years and so the Timmins Running Club planned an impromptu race to engage the local running community.
"We have so many runners in the community and no more events, there used to be a lot," said Lamothe, adding that the club only had a month to plan the race.
"We thought there's demand for another half (marathon) and it'd be a lot easier to organize if it was just in the trails, don't have to manage roads. One of the best parts of Timmins is our trail network, so we're really utilizing that."
Over 40 runners ran two loops of a 10.5-kilometre course, either as solo runners or as part of a two-person relay team.
Due to the timing of the event, Lamothe said the club could not provide typical marathon prizes and rewards, instead offering cups of freshly-picked blueberries to match the theme of the race and give it a community feel.
Regardless, endorphins seemed to be running high among the participants, cheering each other on at the finish line.
"We got first in the relay, so it was a lot of fun," said Greg van Hees with first-time running partner, Janek Urbanski.
"We won a bunch of blueberries, so that was awesome. Just an overall great event, it's gorgeous outside, lots of runners out."
The hope is to make this an annual event, Lamothe said. With more time to plan, he said, that gives the club the chance to fix any gaps from this race and offer more prizes to the runners.
"Next year, we're planning to take the full year to think about it ... and, hopefully, put on a more regional event."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.