AMHERST – Strap on your fanny packs and double check your tied laces. The Amherst Striders running club are holding a half marathon Saturday, Sept. 22 to help out the local YMCA.
“We decided we’d like to see a marathon come to Amherst,” said organizer Ken MacKenzie. “We approached Paul Giroux who works with the Cross Border Challenge, and we got together with the Y’s men club and together, they and the running group approached the town.”
This year will be the marathon’s first appearance in Amherst. So far, the half marathon has close to 30 runners registered.
“We hope to get more,” said MacKenzie.
“For a first year, it’s not bad,” said fellow runner with the Amherst Striders Peter Nixon.
With one week left until the marathon, organizers are putting together final touches. The organizers decided during their meeting Wednesday night who would be in charge of the water stops, the markers along the track and what the prizes will be. MacKenzie said the town is also showing their support by providing different services to the organizers of the marathon, including two police officers.
To register for the event, interested runners can find the race online under events at the atlanticchip.ca. There, they can find a direct link to their registration. There will also be a registration table on site the day of the run.
Registration will take place at the YMCA from 7 until 8:30 a.m. The race will begin in Victoria Square at 9 a.m. Racers will receive medals, race hats and a rally towel for completing the race. There will be also different prizes being given away.
jturner@amherstdaily.com
