Participants in the second annual Marden Marathon on April 14 will have their own reasons for competing.
But perhaps none will be more compelling than what is motivating Guelph-Eramosa resident Carrie Gordon.
“It’s more of a personal thing with me,” said the 52-year-old mother of nine. “I want to do the 5K because I can. I don’t think I appreciated that last year. Now I’m grateful I can do it.”
On Sept. 7, Gordon told her husband Jim she “felt something in her head” akin to a head rush. Within seconds she was unconscious, waking up seven hours later in an ambulance on the way to University Hospital in London.
She was informed that she had suffered a brain aneurism, and from there she underwent emergency surgery and stayed in hospital for three weeks. Her recovery continued at home over several months, and remarkably, today she is “totally fine.”
Gordon said doctors told her she is very lucky – many with similar aneurisms die or face major medical setbacks or debilitations – and her neurosurgeon stressed there is nothing she can do physically that will undo the repairs to her brain.
“It was a wake-up call because I certainly was not athletic by any stretch of the imagination,” Gordon said. “I want to be there for my kids.”
She decided it was time to get in better shape and, having volunteered at the inaugural Marden Marathon in 2011, she decided being in this year’s event would make a fitting tribute to her recovery.
“Whatever God has planned for me, I need to be healthy to do it,” said Gordon, who hopes to walk the 5km route in under an hour.
Organizer Amanda McAlpine said Gordon’s story is amazing.
“It’s really inspiring to see. I’m thrilled,” said McAlpine. “I’ll miss her because she’s a fabulous volunteer, but I’m very proud and thrilled to see her participating.”
The event, which is organized by the Elora Road Christian School and benefits the Groves Memorial Hospital Foundation, features 5 and 10km races as well as a half marathon.
“There’s something for everyone,” McAlpine said, adding there is even a family fun run which includes prizes for kids.
Last year about 350 racers took part in the inaugural Marden Marathon and over 125 volunteers helped ensure the event ran smoothly.
“We had phenomenal feedback,” McAlpine said of the 2011 event.
The plan is to grow the event every year until it is regarded as a tradition in the area.
“Regardless of where you’re coming from, we want people to feel a connection,” McAlpine said.
This year’s event is on April 14 starting at 8:30am at the Royal Distributing Athletic Performance Centre in Marden. The course is primarily along paved roads in the area, which will be closed for the duration of the races.
For more information or to register, visit www.mardenmarathon. Students who raise $25 and adults who raise $100 will have their registration fee waived.
The regular fees are $70 for the half marathon, $65 for the 10km course, $40 for the 5km course, $25 for the 5km or 10km routes for students and the fun run is free.
