PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Still Spaces Left for the 2011 Skate the Common Marathon

(December 31, 2010)  Kick-off 2011 by taking part in a marathon on ice. On January 8 and 9, 2011, Marathon Skating International, the Dartmouth Speed Skating Club and HRM will host the Skate the Common Marathon at the Canada Games Oval on the Halifax Common.

This is a once-in-a-life time opportunity for all ages and all abilities to come out and participate in the first-ever friendly competition on the “Big Ice”. The four competitions, sanctioned by Speed Skate Nova Scotia, are part of the 2010-11 Skate: A Winter Celebration on Big Ice.

Featured events include:
• 5K Big Ice Icebreaker (For all ages/any type of skates - 12½ laps of the oval)
• 10K Hockey / Speed Skate Challenge (25 laps of the Oval)
• 25K Big Ice Challenge (62 ½ laps of the Oval)
• 40K Going the Distance (100 laps of the Oval)

There is a maximum of 100 skaters per event. Space is still available for each event. Age classes for both men and women are as follows: Under 19, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+.

The 25K and 40K events will be included in the Marathon Skating International Points Series, with points accumulated by skaters counting towards their season standing for purposes of the Pierre Gagné Trophy. Chip timing will be provided by MSI Sports Timing.

For the full schedule, details and to register, visit Marathon Skating International's website at: http://www.marathonskating.org/halifax2011.html. For more information on skating at the Oval call the HRM Events Line at 490-6776 or visit: http://www.halifax.ca/SkateHRM.

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Contact:
Meredith Legge
HRM
490-2343