The enthusiasm of children at Trenton Elementary School could be heard long before runners taking part in the Marathon of Respect and Equality arrived, as students practised their cheers in anticipation.
The stop was the fifth of the day for the run which started in Pictou and continued on to Westville, Stellarton, New Glasgow and Pictou Landing. From Trenton the runners continued on to North Nova Education Centre where the marathon wrapped up.
Organizer Peter White explained the purpose behind the run.
“What we’re trying to do is trying to make Pictou County a place where there is no racism, there is no prejudice, there is no discrimination. That everyone is accepted for who they are, what they are and we don’t judge one another,” White said.
He said that this year’s honorary chairs exemplify that.
Dave MacLennan, a Scotsburn resident and marathon runner who has won 11 Johnny Miles Running events, and Henderson Paris, who is the founder of the Run Against Racism, were the honorary co-chairs and spoke to students at the rallies.
MacLennan encouraged the students to look at those around them.
“All of the people around you are different,” he said. There’s nobody that’s the same. We all look different. We all sound different. We’re all different shapes and sizes and that makes us individuals. It’s just wrong to discriminate against somebody because of how they look or how they feel.”
He encouraged them to treat each other with kindness.
“The world would be a really boring place if we were all the same so we need to enjoy everybody else’s differences including our own. Students, you’re the future and change begins with you.”
Henderson Paris said it was great to take part once again in the annual event.
“Twenty-nine years ago when I set out, I said if I could change one person for the better then the miles of running would be worth it,” he said. “Twenty-nine years later, I’m here to tell you that there has been great positive change in Pictou County and it’s happened mostly in part thanks to students past and present who want to make a difference.”
White said they had a great core group of runners taking part Thursday and that many joined in at various points along the way.
“Everything was relaxing and enjoyable,” he said.
