Advertisement 1

Sole Mates join running community

Article content

Tillsonburg’s Sole Mates running club came together Saturday morning to honour victims of the Boston Marathon bombing in their own, special way.

An even dozen members were able to represent the local running community in a commemorative run as an expression of ‘heartfelt sympathies to the runners, their families, the fans and the City of Boston,’ said Sandra Beernaert, via email.

Some were unable to attend, but there in spirit.

Running communities in St. Thomas and London were also out running in a show of solidarity Saturday morning, complete with bibs, at roughly the same time, Beernaert added.

The Tillsonburg group gathered briefly in front of Cardio Plus along Broadway, shared a recent quote about how the spirit of a marathoner can’t be broken and then a moment of silence before heading northward along the street’s eastern sidewalk just past 8:30 a.m.

As well as their standard running gear, each participant wore a special bibs featuring Boston’s skyline, 4.15.13 to represent the date of the terrorist attack, and the words: ‘Runners United To Remember.’

“The Boston Marathon is the Olympics of endurance running, to all of us,” Beernaert explained. “We are very respectful of all who train for months and qualify to run in Boston and want everyone to know that even though Tillsonburg is a small town, we have several runners, right here, that have ran Boston in the past.”

Beyond Saturday’s commemorative run, Beernaert says Sole Mates’ goals including making a positive impression as contributing members of the community.

Several ‘Mates’ will be slowing it down and hiking in the Sakura Home Fundraiser, Saturday, May 4, in Woodstock. Sakura is a palliative care centre that gives compassion and care to anyone who needs it, at no cost. On a personal note, Beernaert will be walking in memory of Judy Baswick.

“Sakura House is a great asset to our county,” Beernaert concluded. “They made a world of difference to my nieces, their dad and our family at a difficult time.”

 

Article content
Advertisement 2
Advertisement
Article content
Article content
Latest National Stories
    News Near Tillsonburg
      This Week in Flyers