FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
"Small but Challenging" Waterloo Marathon Pleasantly Surprises Runners,
Fortifies Emergency First Aid in Community
Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, Canada - The Waterloo Marathon may not be the
biggest or "easiest" race, with under 500 runners and gently rolling hills,
but it has a big heart. More than 200 welcoming volunteers and a scenic
course in Mennonite country make this Boston-qualifier marathon popular
with seasoned and novice runners alike. The 16th edition takes place on
Sunday, April 27th at Bechtel Park in Waterloo. It is the main fundraiser
for the Kitchener-Waterloo St. John Ambulance, a leader in First Aid
Training, and provides a number of volunteer services to the community,
including Medical First Response.
"Thanks to the many people who took part in the Waterloo Marathon for the
past 15 years, and a great demo deal from Victoria Star Motors, we were
able to purchase a "Sprinter" to be used as a First Aid Post," says Tony
Lea, Executive Director of the Kitchener Waterloo Branch of St. John
Ambulance. The vehicle is also fully equipped as a command post for the
Waterloo Regional St. John Ambulance Emergency Response Team. "In the past
year, this team was called out to two ice storms, including over the
Christmas holidays," says Tony.
Racers who like elbow room appreciate the uncrowded course, and can breathe
in fresh country air as they run past farmland, rivers, and villages. The
Waterloo Marathon gives racers the rare opportunity to run through
Ontario's last remaining covered bridge, the "Kissing Bridge". Ambassador
of Inspiration, Ed Whitlock, 83-year-young world record marathoner will be
back to cheer on runners and award prizes.
"First off, it definitely starts with a bang. Within the first kilometre
you get a huge steep downhill running down Bridge St, lots of fun!" says
Greg Dyce, who has run the Waterloo Half Marathon four times. "I love the
rolling country section along Sawmill Rd., it's easy to get into a good
rhythm and enjoy the scenery. The big hill up into Conestogo can be tough,
but there are usually people cheering on the sides of the road here, and
they really pick you up. Overall, a great challenging course, with lots of
variety, and just one very short out-and-back section. It's my favourite
half marathon course!" continues Greg, who will be running this year's half
marathon with a team from his running club.
Two local runners placed first in the 2013 Waterloo Marathon: Paul Kemp
with a time of 2:49:46 and Jenn Willoughby with 3:15:58.
Last year's first place half-marathoners in the male and female categories
were both from Toronto: Ming-Chang Tsai with a time of 1:18:24, and Rachel
Ann Schmidt who finished with 1:35:20. Full results can be found here
"Your race was amazing! The organization of this 'small' race was super
today, the people very obliging and obviously happy to be there. I was
very impressed!" wrote Linette Kennedy of Beamsville, who placed first in
her age group in the 2013 Half Marathon.
"I was indeed surprised after our emails to find this race so exceptional,
albeit 'challenging'...I highly recommend it and will share it with my
running groups."
First aid is in full supply with dedicated St. John Ambulance volunteers
ready to help while supporting their own event.
St. John Ambulance volunteers give over 6,300 hours of their time at many
events throughout the community; Kitchener Rangers games, the Elmira Syrup
Festival, Kitchener Blues Festival, Tri-Pride, the Waterloo Regional Air
Show and the LPGA tournament at Grey Silo, to name a few.
Waterloo Marathon and Half Marathon online registration is open at
www.waterloomarathon.com. The Half Marathon is also open to walkers. All
proceeds from The Waterloo Marathon go to the many life-saving programs of
K-W St. John Ambulance.
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