If there is one thing that Forrest Gump, Bryan Adams and the Manitoba Marathon know, it’s that running rocks.
And you will too if you register today for the Manitoba Marathon, which will be celebrating 40 years in 2018!
Sure, it might be the middle of winter right now, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t get out there and give those legs and lungs a workout in anticipation of placing a personal best on June 17.
The Manitoba Marathon provides an ideal outlet for those of you looking to get some movement in your life while striving for achievable goals, while hardcore runners can also use the race to qualify for the Boston Marathon, “the world’s most-famous road race.”
There are six different events/formats to the Marathon, making it approachable for beginners, avid runners and even children.
The Manitoba Marathon Relay (7:10 a.m. start time) is open to teams of four or five, allowing your group to divide and conquer the 26.2-mile course in individual blocks (meaning you only have to run between 5.24 and 6.55 miles). In this, you’ll be dispersed at the four exciting relay exchange stations set up along the course.
The Goodlife Fitness 10 km provides a timed, but non-competitive event, and is a great choice for families (you can bring a baby and stroller, as you start after the full, half and relay runners head out) or those of you who know your body’s limits and are looking to take part in the excitement.
The Intrepid Dezine Half Marathon (ages 13+) will see approximately 4,000 runners tackle 13.1 miles. It begins on the regular course, then goes through a shortcut which allows runners to still end up back at Investors Group Field for the Big Game Finish, where volunteers will be on hand to assist racers in the recovery area.
The Great-West Life Super Run will feature over 3,000 runners of all ages, giving you the full Manitoba Marathon experience while running a short course that essentially circles the University of Manitoba Campus (just over 4 km).
There's also the Mini Mites Fun Run which is open to children five and under where registration is just $2 and the course is nice and short (of course). The start time is 6:30 a.m., which allows your little ones to take off from the official start of the Marathon, which will surely make a few proud parents’ Instagram accounts. #makingmemories
And finally, there is the big one, the Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Full Marathon (ages 16+), which finishes right on Investors Group Field. Once you complete your 26.2-mile race, you’ll be treated to a complementary (and much needed) massage from Massage Athletica, along with an electrolyte-replacing beverage and snacks.
The Manitoba Marathon course itself is also stunning, and will feature numerous elements that will keep you on pace, including entertainment, plenty of shade and the best volunteers around.
Speaking of which, while the Manitoba Marathon always has a fine group working the race, they are always looking for more volunteers to be part of the party. Plus, surely all that cheering counts as cardio too! For more on becoming a volunteer and getting involved in the Marathon click here.
And just in case you need any more reasons to enter, check out this article from the pros – that being Canadian Running – on “Why the Manitoba Marathon may be Canada’s most underrated Boston qualifier,” wherein you’ll learn why, “you’ll feel like a rock star when you finish.”
To register for the Manitoba Marathon, or to find out more about this fantastic and fun race on June 17 in Winnipeg click here.