Ian Robinson arrived at the hostel this week, coming all the way from Wales to participate in what most of us regard as an unatural act.
He has flown clear across the Atlantic Ocean to run about 26 miles as quickly as he can. There is no real prize money in this race; merely bragging rights and I imagine, a good deal of pain.
The Annual Toronto Marathon sponsered by Good Life Fitness does offer cash to the winners of the seniors category. I’m not sure how old Ian is and he just might qualify in this category. First prize is a thousand dollars; second prize is 500 dollars; third (and final prize) 250 dollars.
In the “regular” category, the prizes are wristwatches and assorted merchandise.
Ian is also a former Nationally Ranked Squash Competitor in his native Wales. He’s also here to compete in a few friendly matches with some of our top local competitors.
We’ll report on his race results after Sunday, October 27th. But we think he should do quite well. He looks pretty fit.
(The Toronto Marathon was won in a record time (2:08:32) by a runner from Kenya - no surprise – and the ladies section first, secomd and third were won by Ethiopian women. Ian finished in a time of around 2hrs. 48 mins. and received his medal – he says it is a lot nicer than the cheesey one he got in the New York race. Nicely done Ian!)