Hi folks! My friend Albert Martens has brought quite a unique event to my attention…. Albert is a running veteran of more than 50 marathons — including some Ultra-Marathons across the Sahara Desert — and now at age 64, his next challenge will be: The Canadian Arctic. And you can join him!
You can follow Albert on Twitter, visit his website, or even buy his book!
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Athletes in Action Canada invites Marathon runners to join us for a Polar Bear full marathon (42.195 km or 50 km) gentlemen’s run in the World’s Polar Bear Capital – Churchill, Manitoba, Canada on November 20th, 2012. It’s the first ever braving the elements and bears marathon of its kind — experience a unique marathon and culture!
Limit of 20 runners accepted. Route to be determined.
Purpose:
The Polar Bear Marathon is a winter-adventure-charity marathon in support of the Athletes in Action (AIA) work done in the Sayisi Dene First Nations community of Tadoule Lake – 250 km west of Churchill. AIA has done baseball camps in 2 different First Nations communities for the past 8 years. This work is based on volunteers and donations.
Safety and Protection:
Due to the harsh environment, e.g. the weather conditions at this time of the year, we will run in either one or two tight groups of runners – a “gentlemen’s run”. It will be a fun run. We will need to stay together because of the possible presence of Polar Bears, foxes, wolves, etc. Vehicles will accompany us in front of and behind the group of runners for safety reasons & serve as a mobile Aid Station.
About Churchill:
Keep In Mind: When a polar bear catches you and drags you into the water, it doesn’t get cold while you turn into a popsicle.
Called the polar bear capital of the world, Churchill is also known as Manitoba’s beluga whale watching hotspot and is a birder’s paradise. The approach of winter also makes Churchill one of the best places to experience the northern lights. October and November are the best months to see polar bears as they get prepared to move out on the newly formed ice in search of seals. Scientists from around the world have come to Churchill to study the northern lights in the active night sky – Churchill is one of the top three places on the planet to see the northern lights. Located on the edge of the Arctic, Churchill offers the feel of a frontier town with the amenities of an international tourist destination. http://everythingchurchill.com/
Dates:
November 19th – fly out from Winnipeg to Churchill, MB.
November 20th – run the Polar Bear Marathon. (50 or full)
November 20th – run the Polar Bear Marathon. (50 or full)
November 20th – Evening Awards Dinner (inside without bears)
November 21st – Sight-see Churchill & Study Center
November 22nd – fly back to Winnipeg, Manitoba
Costs:
$2200.00 which includes:
◗ Return flight Winnipeg to Churchill
◗ Lodging for 3 nights in Churchill
◗ Awards dinner, T-shirt and medal
Registration Deadlines & Fees:
$300.00 due before Oct 1, 2012 (non- refundable)
$1900.00 due before Oct.31, 2012
$200.00 suggested donation (Cdn. Tax Deductible)
To register, please contact me using the info below. I hope you’ll bundle up and join me!
Albert Martens
408-2nd Street
Steinbach, Manitoba
R5G 0V5
Canada
Email: aemart@mts.net
Phone 204-346-1345
Cell 204-371-9780
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Athletes in Action (AIA) Canada is a ministry division of Power to Change that focuses on the domain of sport. Sport is the one language that knows no boundaries and sees no distinctions. It unites cultures, transcends values and defies convention. AIA is committed to using the language of sport to communicate the most powerful message of all: God’s passionate love for his children as communicated through his Son, Jesus Christ. It’s a story that’s changed our lives, given us purpose and hope. In Canada our work is a variety of ministries such as the Pro Ministry – Chaplains to the CFL (Canadian Professional Football League), sports camps and tours abroad with soccer, basketball, volleyball, and hockey teams. It is mentoring, training and educating Athletes, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Our home base is in Langley, British Columbia, Canada.
For more information see: www.Athletesinaction.com www.albertmartens.com
Cunning Athletic Services 