Thousands lace up for WFPS Half Marathon

WINNIPEG — Thousands of Manitobans hit the pavement Sunday morning to take part in the 4th annual Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service Half Marathon.

More than 2,900 runners laced up for the annual event which raises money for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

“To think… four years ago this was a little pipe dream, a little idea and now here we are with all these runners,” said race director Jonathan Torchia. “It’s crazy to think about.”

“It’s great. A great atmosphere to run in,” said one participant.

For many it has become a bonding event, one to look forward to each year.

This year’s run is a special one for Bob Steingberg and his wife Julie Gold Steinberg.

“This is just such a great event. We are so warm from all the huge we are getting,” said Steinberg.

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Steinberg was just 2 blocks from the finish line, a few seconds’ run from the twin explosions that rocked the Boston Marathon in 2013.

READ MORE: Winnipeg doctor recalls Boston explosions

The next year both him and his wife went back to complete the marathon together.

Now, Gold Steinberg is battling breast cancer but the duo are still racing side by side.

“We are dressed in pink because we are celebrating a cure for breast cancer,” said Steinberg. “Julie is in treatment and will be starting chemo in November and this our race.”

The WFPS Half Marathon event started back in 2012. The first run, and its 1,665 participants, raised $25,000 for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Now, four years later it has doubled in size and donations.

While the final donation is still being tallied, Torchia said they are projected to hit a $70,000 donation to the foundation this year.