WINNIPEG — Len Rolfson is planning to keep his streak going at the Manitoba Marathon. He first took on the challenge of running the 26.2 mile event in the inaugural year of the Manitoba Marathon in 1979 and has crossed the finish line ever since. He’s the only person to have participated in every Manitoba Marathon.
Rolfson has every finishers t-shirt, every medal, and every participants bib. Complete with his finishing time written on the back of his number along with the weather conditions on race day.
“There are all kinds of times in here from 3:06 to 5 hours,” Rolfson says.
His collection that includes 36 years worth of Manitoba Marathon memorabilia is impressive. So is the fact that he continues to train 3 to 4 times a week at the age of 67.
“I started doing that when I was working to get the runs in before work. And I’ve just carried on since then even though I’m retired I still get up early and go out,” Rolfson says.
Rolfson was 31 when he first experienced the rush of completing a marathon. He remembers the energy, the crowds and being among all the other runners.
“It was so exciting and such a thrill to do it. I came back the next year,” Rolfson says.
During that first year of the Manitoba Marathon, the 26.2 mile course started and finished at the old Winnipeg Stadium and only included the full marathon event. Since then, organizers have added the half marathon, relay, 10K, 5K, Super Run and Mini Mites runs.
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The changes have opened the doors to many others so they too can experience the rush of being involved.
“The music is playing. The arches are blown up and all the other runners are there. It’s such an amazing experience,” Rachel Munday, the Executive Director of Manitoba Marathon says. “And to be a part of that is contagious.”
Rolfson has certainly caught that bug for running. In addition to the Manitoba Marathon, he has participated in runs across North America. He’s logged over 100 finishes, including the illustrious Boston Marathon earlier this year.
Still, it’s the race at home that remains a constant goal. As long as he’s able, Rolfson hopes to keep his running streak going at the Manitoba Marathon.
“To be able to have participated all these years to be able to stay healthy and fit enough to do it – I consider myself very fortunate in that regard,” Rolfson says. “I’m proud of it there’s no doubt about that, and I look forward to many more as long as I can keep to it.”
The Manitoba Marathon takes place on Sunday, June 21st.
Money raised through the Manitoba Marathon goes to the Manitoba Marathon Foundation. Over the years over 5 million dollars has helped support projects for people living with an intellectual disability.
Better Winnipeg is a weekly feature that focuses on people and events that make Winnipeg better. If you have suggestions for stories, send them to betterwinnipeg@globalnews.ca.
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