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Sudbury Rocks experience hooks new runner

I accomplished something on May 1 I had never thought I would do. I ran five kilometres in the Sudbury Rocks Race, Run or Walk for Diabetes.
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''I really saw a true picture of how the community came together to make this event so great.'' Photo by Laurel Myers
I accomplished something on May 1 I had never thought I would do. I ran five kilometres in the Sudbury Rocks Race, Run or Walk for Diabetes. I didn’t walk, I didn’t fall down or trip, I didn’t keel over and gasp for air — I actually ran the whole race and finished with a smile on my face.

As you can probably tell, this was my first experience running in a race. In fact, before the beginning of this year, I didn’t run at all. With a bit of work, patience and lots of support from my family, friends and co-workers, I’m now able to say I’ve been “bit” by the running bug.

May 1 was an amazing day. Upon arriving downtown, I saw how big an event Sudbury Rocks really is. Police officers were at many intersections controlling traffic, there were gates up everywhere to control where people were to run, and volunteers, runners and supporters were scattered throughout downtown.

I got ready and headed to the start line. At 9 a.m., the race started and I took off. As I ran through the downtown and onto Notre Dame Avenue, I really saw a true picture of how the community came together to make this event so great.

A big thank you to the more than 400 volunteers who spent their day along the race, cheering the participants on. You certainly helped motivate me and keep me going. The police officers and traffic control also deserve a pat on the back for keeping the runners safe during the race — your service was appreciated by many.

My five-km experience went very smoothly. I actually managed to pace myself quite nicely, and I’m more than pleased with my final race time of 28:47.

About 1,800 participants took part in the annual event, raising around $50,000 for the local branch of the Canadian Diabetes Association.

It’s great that one event benefits so many people. The Canadian Diabetes Association is able to raise money for their organization while promoting a healthier lifestyle.

Before I started training for the race, I didn’t make a great effort to exercise properly. I now run at least three times a week and I honestly feel great.

Also, it’s wonderful that so many people came to Greater Sudbury to participate in the event. It’s great that we can showcase our city to people from all over Ontario who chose to come to Sudbury to participate including Timmins, Ottawa, Owen Sound and Toronto, among others.

I look forward to participating in this event next year, and I’ll likely tackle a few other races in the meantime.

Martha Dillman is a reporter for Northern Life.

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