Manitoba Marathon returns to in-person race after two-year hiatus
The 43rd Annual Manitoba Marathon kicked off in Winnipeg Sunday after a two-year break from in-person racing.
In 2020, COVID-19 prevented the marathon from taking place in person. Instead, it was modified into a virtual race where participants ran independently and submitted the results.
On Sunday, though, Chancellor Matheson Drive near IG Field was filled with runners and people on the sidelines showing support.
Greg Athayde ran in the half marathon. He said he's been participating in the marathon since the beginning.
"I actually ran the very first one in 1979 in high school and I ended up dropping out after halfway because I just wasn't trained to run a full marathon," said Athayde.
Athayde is glad to see the race returning to normal.
"Virtual races you're running by yourself, but here you have people to run with and it's good motivation, you get the crowds out."
For Emily Schwartz, the 43rd Manitoba Marathon is the 7th half marathon she's finished.
Last year she participated in the marathon virtually. She said it wasn't the same.
"There's definitely a component of adrenaline and stuff you get running with this kind of crowd. It was amazing to see all the people still on the sidelines cheering everyone on."
Schwartz said she feels a greater sense of accomplishment racing in person with other runners.
"To actually finish and get your medal instead of getting your medal in the mail before you even run the race. It's kind of like, well do I have to run it now?"
Executive Director of the Manitoba Marathon, Rachael Munday, said the race is operating differently this year due to COVID-19.
Runners wear a mask when they're not on the course, people are social distancing, and water stations aren't handing out disposable cups; they're refilling people's bottles.
"We changed the waves sizes. We restricted entry to a certain number of participants. We ran people out on a false start, which is five runners every five seconds," said Munday
Munday said the marathon usually has 2,000 volunteers, but this year they only had 400 to keep numbers low.
The marathon is traditionally held on Father's Day. Munday said they plan to have the race fall on that day in 2022.
As for Athayde, he's just glad to be back on the course with other runners regardless of the time of year.
"It's been a great experience this year, so looking forward to next year."
At the marathon, Brian Walker won the men's gold with a time of 2:29:24, and Nicole Walker won the women's with a time of 2:52:55.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Federal government grants B.C.'s request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces
The federal government is granting British Columbia's request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces, nearly two weeks after the province asked to end its pilot project early over concerns of public drug use.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
MPs agree Canadian gov't should improve new disability benefit
The federal government needs to safeguard the incoming Canada Disability Benefit from clawbacks and do more to ensure it actually meets the stated aim of lifting people living with disabilities out of poverty, MPs from all parties agree.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games Tuesday following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Trudeau's handling of Poilievre's 'wacko' House turfing a clear sign of Liberal desperation
When Speaker Greg Fergus tossed out Pierre Poilievre from the House last week, "those of us who have experience as parliamentarians simply couldn't believe our eyes," writes former NDP leader Tom Mulcair in his column for CTVNews.ca
New charges for Ont. woman who previously admitted to defrauding doulas
The Brantford, Ont. woman who was previously sentenced to house arrest after admitting to deceiving doulas has been charged again in connection to a new victim.