Posted: May 16, 2005

Athletics: Mississauga Marathon Exceeds Expectations

MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 15 /CNW/ - The second annual Mississauga Marathon presented by Canon announced today that 8,255 participants laced up their running shoes to take on the challenge of one of the finest routes in Canadian marathon history. In addition to the runners, over 80,000 spectators and 1,100 volunteers lined the 26 mile course.

The event kicked off on Friday, May 13 with a Runners Expo, followed by the Remington 10K, Student Relay and Pasta Dinner on Saturday, May 14 and concluded today with the much anticipated Canon Mississauga Marathon, Fila Half-Marathon and the Corporate Relay. Records of attendance were set in all categories with over 84 Student Relay Teams registered and over 68 Corporate Relay Teams participating in this year's event.

While everyone received a well-earned medal and congratulations as they crossed the finish line, special recognition was awarded to Mike Strano from Keswick, Ontario who was the top male in the Marathon with a time of 2:42:52 and Woodbridge, Ontario's Angie Ferraro, the top female with a time of 2:59:02.

Several Mississauga dignitaries showed their support throughout the weekend including Mayor Hazel McCallion, who welcomed everyone and ran part of the course. CBC Sports Host Scott Russell acted as the Master of Ceremonies for the Marathon and World Champion figure skater, Paul Martini hosted the 10 k event. Mississauga's own, Michael Burgess sang the National Anthem just prior to the gun signaling the start of the day's activities.

Elliott Kerr, President, Landmark Sport Group expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the enormous success of the day. "We are absolutely thrilled with the number of participants and I am proud to say that we are one of the fastest growing events in Canada. We could not have accomplished this status without the support of the City of Mississauga, their employees, volunteers, sponsors, special guests and the participants who came from around the world to enjoy the best of what Mississauga has to offer."

Representatives from the Credit Valley Hospital Foundation echoed Mr. Kerr's appreciation to all participants and announced that after the second annual Mississauga Marathon, over $50,000 has been raised to support the new Carlo Fidani Peel Regional Cancer Centre at the Credit Valley Hospital.

The event would not have been possible without the tremendous support from corporate sponsors including Canon Canada, Fila Canada, Remington, Bell, Advil, Licks, The Mississauga News, Mississauga Business Times, AMJ Campbell Van Lines, PowerBar, Aquafina, Pro Organics, LaVilla Fine Foods and Bakery, Rogers Television, CFRB 1010, Ontario Tourism, Novotel Toronto Mississauga, the YMCA, Fram Building Group, Air Canada Vacations, Z103.5, Jamieson Vitamins, the Running Room, Rubbermaid, Chapters/Indigo, Ruth's Chris Steak House, Canoe.ca, the Port Credit BIA, Ital Pasta, Hershey, Starbucks and Johnvince Foods.

Yvonne Camus, Race Director, has announced that the third annual Mississauga Marathon has been set to take place on May, 12, 13, and 14, 2006.

The race website is at: www.mississaugamarathon.com.