If you drove down Brady Street early this morning, you might have come across a sea of neon green and pink shirts.
Sudbury Rocks!!! banner hung high, with hundreds of local residents warming up, running, greeting familiar faces, it almost seemed like a street festival with a high dose of caffeine.
It was indeed a celebration of all mothers, minus the caffeine, as residents pledged to race, run or walk in support of Canadian Diabetes Association.
There was no shortage of experience levels, many of the participants had made previous stride, some were brand new like Darrien Dubreuil.
Darrien was participating in his first one-kilometre race with his mother, Nicole.
“This is his first race, I hope he likes it so we can continue running,” Nicole Dubreuil said.
A runner herself, this was Nicole first time participating in the traditional Sudbury ROCKS!!! Race, Run or Walk for Diabetes.
“It is a great opportunity to come out and meet people and promote healthy living for your kids,” Dubreuil said.
The race began promptly as the horns blazed, sprinters lunged forward, walkers picked up their pace.
The morning event included a variety of activities including a one-kilometre kids run, five-kilometre Run/Walk, Celebrity Challenge, 10-kilometre Run/Walk, Half Marathon, Full Marathon, and an eight-person Team Relay Marathon.
Alexis Nicholls along with Dad Tyler was returning for another year, this time trying to beat her own record from last year.
“This time I am going to go even faster than last time,” Alexis chimed.
“I like running because it is cold at first and you can run so fast, and it is very relaxing,” Alexis said.
The Sudbury Rocks Marathon is a qualifier for the iconic Boston Marathon. No word yet if any runners qualified.
