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NEWS Jun 30 2003

Ray's Runners

"The Slower You Go, The More Fun You Have"!

The City of Toronto has arranged a 6:15am start for Marathoners/Walkers expecting to finish over 5:30 hours - 6:30 hours. However there will be limited course support available until 7:30am.

Ray's Story

Early on I understood that I would never be a very fast runner because I wasn't interested in, nor did I have the time to train properly and extensively in order to break 4:00. About 1995, I realised that to complete a marathon was more important than the time, so in 1995, while I still trained, I removed the pressure on myself to be faster and faster.

In 1995, I had the opportunity to run with Fred Lebow and Grete Waitz for about four miles (until they passed me) in his last NYC Marathon. When Fred finished, he told the reporters around him that he wished he could do something for the slower runners in the pack. This Marathon gives you that opportunity.

There is tremendous beauty in running (and walking) slowly through a marathon, especially if you start early. During races, I have the opportunity to stop and chat with spectators, listen to the bands, watch the lead runners and the pack pass me, and pause to experience the race. Now, I always take a camera with me to document what I see and what I accomplish.

When I ran faster, the goal was always to do (and be) better. Now the goal is to experience the event.

Ray has completed thirteen Marathons: NYC (4); Toronto (3); Montreal; Corning; Buffalo; Detroit; Chicago; Washington. This will be his 1st Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon 2003.

In addition to the early start, Pace Bunnies will lead runners and walkers to complete the course in 5:30, 6:00 and 6:30 paces (approximately 13, 14 and 15 minute miles). Which allows you to complete a marathon with the majority of the runners. Ray will be the 6:20 pace bunny approx 9min/km.

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