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
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.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
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.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.