In the sea of white shirts that will flow through the streets of Halifax during the Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon this Victoria Day weekend (May 19-21), there will be an enthusiastic cohort of gold and black shirts in the mix.
Dalhousie is entering a team in the Killam Marathon Team Relay race as a fundraising initiative for Phoenix Youth Programs, a non-profit organization committed to supporting youth ages 16-24.
Co-captains Lisa Holmes, communications and marketing manager (web) and Erica Gagnon, communications and marketing officer for Dal’s 200th anniversary, have recruited a team of 16 runners made up of members from all four Dalhousie campuses. The team name: “Relay to #dal200”
“Next year is our 200th anniversary and we want to give back to our community in a big way so we’re hoping to generate some enthusiasm this year and expand our team and fundraising efforts at the 2018 event,” says Holmes.
The 2017 Dal relay team has a minimum fundraising goal of $1,818 — representing the year Dalhousie was founded — setting a benchmark for the 2018 Blue Nose Marathon fundraising efforts. The relay follows the full marathon route, comprised of eight legs ranging from 3.8 km to 6.4 km to accommodate the varying interests of team members.
“The team is so fun,” says Gagnon. “We have graduate students, undergraduate students, faculty, staff and alumni.”
Left to right: Keri Irwin, Kurt Sampson, Duane Jones, Rich Lehman, aspen apGaia, Erica Gagnon, Lisa Holmes. Also on the team: Dara Pelkey-Field, Nick Tentomas, Chauncey Kennedy, Jill Malolepszy, Kara Feeley, Erin Peterson, Krista Cross, Melissa Fraser, Jordan Gardiner.
On the run
Nick Tentomas, manager of systems and project development in the Facilities Management department, started his career at Dal almost 20 years ago.
“I’m a proud Dal employee, having fun with the most amazing co-workers, for an awesome cause, running in a beautiful city!” says Tentomas, who has now completed multiple marathons since joining a recreational dal running club. “What else could I ask for?”
The Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon has more than the races to offer. The long weekend is host to various community events, celebrating and promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.
“Ultimately, the goal is to have fun, get active and support a great cause while doing it,” says Holmes, an avid marathon runner.
The team is warming up for the big race by hosting social runs at lunchtime, at which others from the Dal community are welcome to join — all paces and abilities.
“Team training runs are Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon, and we meet at the stairs of the Studley gym,” says Gagnon. “Anybody looking for running buddies is welcome to join.”
Getting involved
You can support the Relay to #dal200 team at its donation page and make a difference in the lives of those benefiting from Phoenix Youth Programs.
“I wasn’t going to run this year but when I found out that Dal was putting in a relay team that would be raising funds for Phoenix Youth Programs I signed up,” says Duane Jones, records analyst in the Faculty of Medicine. “It feels good to get in shape while making a social impact through fundraising.”
Want to help out with the marathon in a more active way? The Dalhousie Alumni Association is once again hosting a water station along the course on Sunday, May 21. Sign up to volunteer and you’ll be able to see all the action and cheer on the Dal relay team as they pass by.
“Put on your black and gold and come out to cheer us on,” says Holmes.
For those who didn’t have the chance to participate this year, the Dal team will be looking for runners, walkers and volunteers again next year and to help reach an even greater fundraising target.
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