Thousands from the Maritimes and beyond will run this weekend in support of reading and writing.
The 23rd annual in-person Legs for Literacy event will be held in Greater Moncton.
Over 1500 have already signed up, and organizers are hoping to see that number rise to 2000 by Saturday.
“Our marathon is a Boston qualifier, and there is also a Run New Brunswick Open Marathon Championships this year, so that’s attracting quite a lot of marathon runners to the city. Our registrations from Nova Scotia and PEI are considerably up year over year. We do draw a small contingent of runners from across Canada, but mainly Atlantic Canada, ” Race Director Garth Millar told our newsroom.
The event features a kids’ one kilometre, as well as a 5k, 10k, a half and a full marathon.
“In 2024, we were able to donate $52,000 to four literacy organizations within our community,” Millar said.
Those who take part receive lots of support at the start, finish, and along the routes. “Our start and finish this year is at the Avenir Centre on Canada Street, so we’re trying to make a lot of noise, a lot of energy around the start and finish line. It really gets everyone going before the start of the race and encourages that community feel to the event,” Millar added.
The routes for this year remain the same as in 2024. The half and full marathon routes incorporate trails in both Moncton and Dieppe.
On October 4th, the kids’ family run will be held in Moncton. Registration is at 10 am in the library on Downing Street, and the run begins at 11:30 am on the Riverfront trail.
A new event this year features mascots, including Ollie Reads More, the Legs for Literacy mascot.
“It should be quite a like, a colourful spectacle for everyone to see and have a little fun,” Millar stated.
On Sunday, October 5, the 5k, 10k, half and full marathon runs will be held rain or shine.
“Oh, absolutely yes, it’s going to be sunny, it’s going to be nice and warm,” Millar told us with confidence.
This is the biggest Legs for Literacy event to be held since 2018.
There’s still time to register, and that can be done online.
