By Alison Langley Review Reporter
The Niagara Falls Review
Soggy weather did little to dampen the enthusiasm of participants in the annual Man-A-Mile relay run, Monday.
The Niagara tradition began 95 years ago and is believed to be one of the oldest races in Canada.
“It’s amazing that a race that dates back to 1922 is still in existence,” said organizer Dave Trotter.
“Actually, the Niagara Falls History Museum did some research and couldn’t find a road relay race in North America older than this race.”
The annual run took teams of runners from Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake to Oakes Park in Niagara Falls.
Each relay team was made up of 14 people who took turns running a mile along the Niagara Parkway and to the finish line.
A team from the Runner’s Edge in St. Catharines won the relay, completing the 22.5-kilometre run in 1:15:05, breaking the previous record of 1:18:56.
“They didn’t just break the record, they smashed it,” Trotter said. “I don’t know how long it will take for a team to beat that record.”
The Runner’s Edge team, ranging in age from 15 to 28, included students from Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School and Brock University.
“I enjoy running because the team is amazing and it keeps me in shape,” said 15-year-old Corbin Atkinson, a Grade 10 student at Sir Winston.
Team captain Kevin Moore was impressed by the teams’ results.
“I knew we’d do well because we have some great youngsters on the team,” he said.
The event also raises funds for local charities.
This year’s recipients are Bridges for Autism and St. John Ambulance.
The original Man-A-Mile trophy is on display at the Niagara Falls History Museum this year as part of the museum’s 150 Pieces of Canada exhibit.
“This race is a part of Niagara Falls culture,” Trotter said.
The relay event began in 1922, with just two teams — one from Niagara Falls and one from St. Catharines — competing for bragging rights only.
Over the years, the event has evolved to include teams from across the region and trophies in various categories and a high school division.
alangley@postmedia.com
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