Run Against Racism Run Review

Yearly Run Review 2002

For the first time in thirteen years the Run Against Racism had to be postponed until the following day because of a major snow storm (30 cm). The decision was made early on Thursday March 21st because of two reasons. 1) Safety - we did not want to endanger anyone. 2) Schools Closing - our whole focus has been on the youth. Schools play an important part in this event and in particular, the Chignecto Central Regional School Board.

This really threw a twist into everything. Needless to say, many phone calls were made to make arrangements for Friday March 22. There was also the problem of settling myself down. All my focus was on Thursday and having myself pschyed and ready to go. Now, I would have to wait one more day. When someone takes on an event of this nature, you have to be physically and mentally prepared.

Due to the one day postponement, we knew we were going to lose people that also committed to being able to take part on Thursday. One person in particular was Mayanne Francis, Executive Director of the Nova Scotia Humane Rights Commission. She had planned to be our guest speaker for the program at the New Glasgow High School following the conclusion of the run. She, along with friends, were also planning to run.

After waking several times during the night, I knew we would be able to go in the morning. It wasn't a bad day, however the wind was quite high and raw in places of the county. We had a great day with great participation from all of the schools and many adults also. It was simply the best.

Highlights:

Great numbers of school students, staff, and administration.
Receptions at Pictou Landing First Nations and at each Town Hall.
This run marked the most women to run the entire distance (38 miles). They were: Verna VanBommel, Judy Livingston and Patsy Galvin. All three are residents of Pictou County.
The following men also ran the entire distance. They were: Dave MacLellan, Kelly Oikle, Dana Lee, Bob Reid, and Gary Fraser
Special mention must be given to Peter and Diane White who ran approx. 22 miles with me and gave us alot of support and motivation.
Note: For the first time in thirteen years my good friend Doug Craig was unable to be with me due to illness. He was however, there in spirit.

Henderson Paris

Yearly Run Review 2003

On Friday March 21st, 2003 the 14th annual "Run Against Racism" took place. This event is held in conjunction with the International Day to Eliminate Racism and Discrimination. Weather was plus 5 deg. and clear.

The run started from the town hall in Pictou after brief remarks from Mayor Lawrence LeBlanc. Henderson Paris, joined by the distance runners, students, and recreational runners, set out from Pictou with the largest turn out in the 14 year history of the run. It was impressive to say the least.

The first stop was at the County Office of the Municipality of Pictou County. Warden Allister MacDonald addressed the group.

Our next official stop was at the Pictou Landing First Nations Community. There we were greeted by Chief Ann Francis - Muise, Elders, members of the community, and hundreds of school children from all over the county.

The Chief spoke and made several presentations to runners who had supported Henderson over the years. They were presented with wooden roses. Carol Paris was presented with wooden flowers and Henderson with a dream catcher. Sister Sarah Francis and Martha Francis prayed in Mi'Kmaq.

Refreshments were made available at this time also.

Leaving the gymnasium at the First Nations school, the weather had changed to a hard rain and high wind. By the time our group had reached our next official stop at the Trenton Town Hall, we were very wet and wind beaten. This was the 22 mile point of our 38 mile ultra marathon. We were met here by Mayor Cathy Cotter and councilors.

The weather was clearing but had slowly taken a toll on us to some degree. Our next official stop was Westville Town Hall (30 miles) where we were met by Mayor Sandy Cyr and councilors. After a brief stop we were once again on our way, getting closer to our destination.

The next stop was Stellerton (33 miles) where we were welcomed by Mayor Art Fitt and councilors. After a brief stop, we were on our way.

New Glasgow Town Hall (35 miles) was our next stop. Mayor Ann MacLean and councilors welcomed us home. After the Mayor spoke briefly and we had some refreshments we were on our way to the last three miles on our journey.

The next official stop was the finish at the New Glasgow High School gymnasium where a large crowd had gathered to welcome us. (38 miles)

This had been a very successful run. Students joined in to either run or cheer us on the whole day. Other runners would also join in at various locations throughout the day.

Highlights:

The run this year saw two records being broken.
1. New record amount of women (4) to run entire distance of 38 Miles. They were: Verna van Bommel, Rachel Currie - 1yr., Patsy Galvin, Susan Peters - 1yr
2. There were five men (besides myself) who finished the run. Dave MacLellan, Kelly Oikle, Gary Fraser - 2yrs., Peter White - 1yr., Gary Hensbee - 1yr.
Overall 10 runners to finish!
This run marks the first year to have a Minister run with us. Reverand Lori Crocker of Trinity United Church.
Other runners who ran a considerable distance were:Doug Craig, Charlie MacDonald, Gerry MacDonald, Arlene MacDonald, Ed Bowden, T.J. Mac Pherson, Lynn Sue Wice, Steve Spears, David Archibald, Joe Pound, Betty Pound, Jim Lays, Ben Gourd, Jerry Ingram.

Other Highlights:

My Mother in Law, Evelyn, and my granddaughter Hope, ran with me down Foord Street in Stellarton to the Town Hall. My brother Francis had a huge banner made, which he took along the route. He had everyone sign it during the day. This was very special.

Henderson Paris

Yearly Run Review 2004

This event was held on Thursday March 25th instead of March 21st this year in order for the schools in the county to participate. The 21st fell on Sunday and organizers for the Run Against Racism acknowledge and appreciate the support from the students.

Also, this marked the first year for the newly revised distance for this event. Previously the run had been 38 miles (61km). Starting this year it will now be 28 miles (45km).

The weather was perfect with temperatures from +5deg. to +7deg. and sunny all day. A great day was enjoyed by everyone who took part in this day long event.

Highlights:

There was a large turnout of fellow runners and students from Pictou Town Hall. This continued throughout the day from various areas.
A significant stop and great reception and celebration was enjoyed at Pictou Landing First Nations Community.
Hundreds of students from Trenton either lined the streets or joined in the run.
Dave and Susan Peters and staff, from Ceilidh Honda, provided us with a hot lunch which certainly gave us the boost we needed to finish our day long journey.
Due to our decreased distance we were able to finish our run at 4:30pm. This was to the satisfaction of all runners and support group.

Reception Highlights:

Welcoming program and reception which were held at North Nova Education Centre was second to none.
Master of Ceremonies was Mr. Ross Hamid - Vice President of Celebrate Canada Committee for Nova Scotia, and New Glasgow Town Councillor.
National Anthem sung by: Natalie Alcorn, Robin Alcorn and Jillian Proudfoot.

Featuring Entertainers:
Gary Beals, 2003 Canadian Idol runner-up.
Accomplished singer/song writers, Shannon Walsh and Janice Durning Alcorn.
Mr. Andrew Alcorn and the North Nova Education Centre School Band and N.N.E.C Choir.
Musical group "Chill" from Temperance Street School.

This the 15th annual Run Against Racism was dedicated to the memory of John Brother MacDonald.

A special presentation was made to Allan MacDougall - Supervisor, Celtic Family of Schools.

Runners to complete the run:

Besides Henderson, thirteen other runners ran the entire distance this year.
Male Runners were: Dave MacLennon, Kelly Oikle, Dana Lee, Gary Fraser, Glenn Chennel, Jeff Smith, Ken Hetherington, and Peter White
Female Runners were: Verna Van Bommel, Lynn Sue Wice, Diane White, Janet Fraser, and Susan Peters.

Henderson Paris