§staticmap(1536,5,450,250)Hello, on August 12th 2012, you’ll be organizing the Ben’s Marathon by the Sea. Can you tell us where it is located?
The Ben’s Marathon by the Sea is hosted in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada.
How old is the race and why was it created in the first place?
The Marathon by the Sea was created 18 years ago by myself and a team of volunteers with the intention of creating big time event in a small city market and to give runners a chance to run an all inclusive event and not have to travel away.
What kind of route have you set up for the runners? How would you describe it?
The Marathon route is a mixture of urban and rural, the course starts in the largest park in Canada ’Rockwood Park ’ from there it heads through the heritage rich city centre before exiting west to rural part of Saint John returning back to Start/Finish at Rockwood Park. The course would be considered an out and back route with approx. 4 inclines.
We expect to have approx. 1,400 runners this year with a mixture of novice runners and runners from throughout Canada and North America.
Do you organize other races during the Weekend? If so, on what distances?
Yes this year along with half marathon and 5 miler, the North-Central American & Caribbean & Canadian Masters Athletics Champs – Road & Track (www.nccwma2012.com) are being held.
At that time of the year, what kind of weather can we expect?
In August you can expect a morning 7 to 18°C (44 – 64°F).
Have you planned festivities around the marathon?
We have a 5km friendship run on Saturday along with a Childrens run. We are also hosting Pasta meal and post race awards ceremony .
The race finished, what advice would you give a runner who has never been to Saint John before? A good restaurant, a fancy sightseeing?
Saint John is Canada’s oldest incorporated city and its rich heritage and history is evident in places like the Old City Market and King Square. The sites and sounds of the city can be seen from one of the many trolley rides, horse& carriage or guided tours.
The Bay of Fundy surrounds Saint John and is recognized internationally as one of the wonders of the world.
In a single sentence, what would you tell the readers of ahotu Marathons to make them register for the Ben’s Marathon by the Sea?
The Marathon by the Sea is a weekend celebration of family, fun and fitness like no other.
Interview with Mike Doyle, founder and past Race Director of the Marathon by the Sea.