NEW GLASGOW - "That the 2012 edition of the Johnny Miles Running Event was sold out weeks prior to the event is a real testament to how participants feel about the event.”
That level of interest would certainly have been reward enough for the event organizing committee but the "icing on the cake" came when the Johnny Miles Marathon was also voted the Best Overall Run Nova Scotia event as voted on by Run Nova Scotia members at the annual awards banquet for 2012.
"This is a great honour,” said Curley. "This award is voted on by members so that is a very meaningful measurement of how the members feel about our event. The fact that we sold out last year was proof enough that we have a good thing here but this was a recognition that is a lasting legacy for the event and all of its volunteers and sponsors.”
Curley said the 2013 event will build on this momentum and that the committee will not rest on any laurels but rather is always looking for ways to make the event more user-friendly and more convenient for participants.
In keeping with this goal, the one change this year will be the change in venues for Saturday’s festivities.
Registration, race kit pick up and the carbo loading meal will be moved from the John Brother MacDonald Stadium to the Glasgow Square Theatre. Although at a smaller venue, they will be available all day rather than just for limited hours as in past years.
"We are very excited about having the entire race located in Downtown New Glasgow," explains Curley. "We have had a great partnership with the Town and it has been a big supporter of this event for the past 37 years."
Cindy MacKinnon, Managing Director of the Destination Eastern and Northumberland Shores (DEANS) regional tourist association agrees that the JMM Running Event Weekend makes a big impact on the tourism assets of the Pictou County community.
"Our region is well known for our festivals and events. Their dedicated volunteers are the key to each one's success,” she said. “The JMM event is no exception; a fantastic volunteer organizing committee make visitors feel a sense of pride and community, while making this event an icon for the Northumberland Shore and Nova Scotia.
"We're in very good hands when we have such great ambassadors showcasing what we have to offer. “
This year’s event will take place on June 15 and 16. More information is available at johnnymiles.ca.
christopher.cameron@ngnews.ca
On Twitter: NGNewsChris
