| Racers flock to second Whistler Spirit Run
More than 150 runners bounded through the courses set for Saturday�s cross-country races, which were geared toward organized running groups such as clubs and teams from elementary and high schools and universities, as well as masters athletes. The biggest single team that came to the Spirit Run hailed from Victoria�s Oak Bay High School, a public school that sent 39 kids to run in the Olympic Park, Whistler Spirit Run board member Peter Diemer said. Diemer said every event showed an increase in entries, as organizers this year stepped up efforts to spread the word about the running festival through media such as newspapers and radio, and social media tools like Facebook and Twitter accounts. Participation by corridor athletes also rose, Diemer added. �It�s been an amazing weekend.
Last Word: Seems everyone is talking about Otago rugby
Runner and close friend Peter Ashton said the "Runners Remembrance" team was formed from about three different running groups. They ran to honour Cox but they also had thoughts of about 20 other running mates who had died over the past couple of decades, Ashton said. The team, running under one number, finished in a combined time of 3hr 29sec - "Some of the guys are now trying to claim that as their personal best." Arthur Blondell, who was driving the car when he and Cox were hit by a drunk driver near Millers Flat, was part of the team. He carried the baton across the finish line and presented it to Cox's widow, Jane, Ashton said. Food of the century A glossy brochure landed on my desk this week outlining the corporate options for the Tua-Cameron Fight of the Century next month.
EDITORIAL: Women of real distinction
Is involved with several groups including the United Way, Relay for Life and Locks of Love. She also raises money for many causes by running 5-K races. She is a business development officer with First Niagara Bank.� HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AWARD: Ann Marie Tucker — The executive director of the Child Advocacy Center of Niagara at Memorial Medical Center, she is an expert on child sexual abuse and rape. She is often cited for her dedication to her work and her cause, according to the YWCA.� MANAGEMENT AWARD: Joan Aul — The administrative vice president of M&T Bank also serves USA Niagara Development Corp., Lockport YMCA and works with St. John the Baptist Church and the Niagara County IDA Revolving Loan Fund.� PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD: Lora Allen — The Democratic deputy commissioner at the Niagara County Board of Elections, Allen is also an associate minister with the Bethany Baptist Church.
Vacation notion turns into running passion
An Internet search connected him to the Rockford Road Runners club. Simmons began running with various buddy groups, and eventually, with the Tuesday night Road Crew running program at the YMCA of Rock River Valley. Simmons said his first race, a 5-kilometer run at Davis in the fall of 2007, taught him a lesson about overconfidence and running his own pace when he failed to finish ahead of an obviously older runner. "I was thinking, 'OK, I can't keep up with this guy but I can keep going,' " he said. "I was thinking don't stop and don't walk. I finished the race, but I was dying and I was hooked. "I started running just because it felt good and to get in shape. I enjoyed the competitiveness and setting goals. It was a hobby and I'd never had many hobbies what with work, our kids growing up and being involved in church, but I got to know a lot of the runners and there are just so many people with such a great attitude." Simmons quickly built his running stamina and speed.
Kirkcaldy ready for the Big Man
An exciting visual arts display and street theatre entertainment will be running throughout the afternoon and into the evening.The town will be transformed into the land of giants with the arrival of the 25 ft Big Man puppet along with an invasion of large butterflies, huge monochrome birds with their alien riders, impressive 10m high Dali dancers and an interactive light show.The colour fest is just one of many activities being organised to mark the Big Man's visit to Kirkcaldy.The blue giant, who is the size of a double decker bus, will walk the streets of the Lang Toun from 1 p.m. onwards. The Big Man will be joined on his walk by dancers and drummers and the event is expected to attract thousands of people to the town.Schools and local groups have all been involved in the Big Man Walking project and their work will be unveiled this weekend.Sunil Varu, town centre manager, said: "The entertainment is free and family-friendly.
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