WINNIPEG – Runners were amped up early Sunday morning for the 10th annual Winnipeg Police Service Half Marathon.
“I’ve got to run 13 miles and that’s a pretty significant distance, so nerves are a little high,” said marathon runner Jordan Summers.
Nearly 3,000 marathon runners and two-person relay teams raced through Assiniboine Park in support of Cops for Cancer.
“It was good. It was a little challenging on some of the hills, but I handed it off to my wife, so she’s doing the second part,” said relay runner Jasen Dunn.
Others ran the whole race, including Sgt. Jim Anis, who won the title of ‘top cop’ for his 10th straight year, as expected..
“My money’s on Jimmy making all 10 today,” race director Nick Paulet said before the race started.
“It’s special, a decade — considering I’m getting older, there’s a lot of young fit police officers out there, pleased, very pleased,” Anis said at the finish line.
But he’s had plenty of practice running: “Part of our job, police chases sometimes,” said Anis, laughing.
Corey Gallagher crossed the line first overall.
“This is my third win for this race, but it feels good every time you come out, put on a good performance — it’s always good, so just happy with the effort,” said Gallagher.
And allowing people to achieve personal accomplishments like that is the mission of the marathon.
“We have people who come back that don’t make it year after year, family members, you’ll see the yellow bibs ‘running in memory,’ ‘running in support of,’ ” said Paulet.
Const. Greg Mitchell ran the race for his father, Jim.
“My dad has been recently diagnosed with cancer again and he’s currently fighting it and being a policeman, I thought what a great event to honour them and this great fundraiser. I’m glad my dad’s here to share it with me,” said Mitchell.
The marathon has raised $1 million for the Canadian Cancer Society since starting a decade ago.
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