Record turnout at the 14th annual Queen City Marathon

REGINA – More than 5,500 people participated in the 14th th annual Queen City Marathon over the weekend, an increase of 800 from last year.

“We continue to grow. I mean, we want to see 10,000 people out on this race day in the years to come,” said Shawn Weimer, volunteer race director of the event that stretched across the city.

Brenden Lunty, who has run the marathon 10 times, came in first in the 42.2 km journey.

“I get antsy, I’m not very good at resting and sitting and doing nothing. I got to be moving. I don’t know. It’s in me, I guess,” said Lunty with a laugh.

The Camrose, Alberta native has come first at the marathon seven times over the years.

“It’s more of a competition against yourself and what you’ve done,” said the sweat-drenched marathoner.

Lunty first started running to get back in shape; part of the motivation now is to set a good example.

“My kids are getting to the point where they’re old enough to see what you’re doing and take up what you’re doing, so that’s part of it too. I want to inspire them to be out and be active and do stuff like that,” said Lunty, one of about 600 who ran the full marathon.

Surplus funds from the marathon, usually around $45, 000, will go to Raise-a-Reader and local charities.

“It is an event that we’re trying to really give back to the community as well,” said Weimer.

The journey participants take is intense, though he said there is room to joke around.

“Last year when I ran, there was one group that had a sign that said, “This is the worst parade ever,” and, I mean, for me at a point where I was running, that was one of the most welcoming signs to kind of make you laugh and remember this is fun,” said Weimer.

Steve Tysdal completed the marathon in two hours and 11 minutes on a hand propelled tricycle.

“If I could, I’d turn around and do it again,” said Tysdal.

The Emerald Park resident become an incomplete quadriplegic following an injury involving a mountain bike August 2010.

Today’s marathon time was better than his previous year’s.

“Now, I just want to keep going to show that there is life after something like this,” said Tysdal of his motivation for participating.

After the marathon, Tysdal wasn’t finished for the day.

“The funny part is, I don’t know if they’re doing wheelchair rugby at Wascana at noon or not, but I’m going to go check,” said Tysdal.