Many participants endured the chilly weather and fierce gusts at the Fredericton Marathon held on Sunday.
We are absolutely ecstatic,” stated co-race director Christine Little. “We have seen record-breaking participation this year.
Around 2,900 participants signed up for the event in 2024, according to co-race director Bruce Macfarlane. This year, however, that figure climbed to 3,234 registrations.
All of this aims to put Fredericton on the map,” he stated. “There’s been a resurgence in interest around health and wellness as well as running.
The male victor, LeeRoy, who was battling a chest infection, did not anticipate claiming victory. Over 350 participants finished the 42.2-kilometer race.
“The Bathurst runner expressed surprise at completing the race,” she stated, having reached the finish line with a time of 2:45:39. “I am astonished.”
He mentioned his plan to mark the occasion by getting some rest.
The female champion, Brianna Kao, stated that merely completing the race was an accomplishment for her, as she had not been able to finish it the previous year.
This marks my year of redemption,” she stated. “I had a complete mental hurdle last year, but this year I genuinely concentrated on having faith in myself.
Kao emerged victorious with a finishing time of 2 hours, 56 minutes, and 40 seconds.
The marathon fell on Mother’s Day as well. For Anna Simonds and her partner, Kayla Blackmore-Simonds, finishing the half marathon was an ideal way to mark their inaugural Mother’s Day together.
“It’s quite extraordinary, and we definitely aim to set an example by demonstrating for our daughter how to live happily and healthily,” stated Blackmore-Simonds, who welcomed their first baby girl into the world approximately 10 months prior.
Immediately following her birth, we began considering ways to commemorate one another as mothers,” Anna remarked.
According to event organizers, more than 300 volunteers contributed to ensuring the smooth operation of the marathon. Additionally, this year’s race course was redesigned, directing participants through the downtown area to alleviate overcrowding on the usual trail routes.
