There were over 11,000 runners down at Stampede Park on May. 27, but that didn’t intimidate 14-year-old Drumheller resident Sam Brown.
“It wasn’t intimidating because I wasn’t competing with the other runners. I was competing with myself,” said Sam Brown.
Brown ran the full race in the Scotiabank Marathon, which was 42.2 kilometres or equal to about 100, 000 foot steps. He crossed the finish line in 3:50:14.58.
“My main goal was really to finish but I did want to try to get in under four hours,” said Brown.
He certainly succeeded. He was awarded third place in his age category.
Brown had wanted to run a marathon in the summer of 2012, but his teacher Ryan Hatch suggested this one in Calgary.
Hatch also completed the marathon.
Runners had the opportunity to raise money for the charity of their choice from a list of over 50 charities offered by the Scotiabank Marathon.
Brown chose to raise money for the Arthritis Society.
“Lots of people in my family have arthritis so that influenced my decision,” said Brown.
He managed to raise $290 for the cause.
Brown is already athletic, playing basketball for Drumheller Valley Secondary School, but he said he had to train a little harder in preparation for the marathon. Running five days a week and other exercise enabled Brown to cross the finish line.
“I won’t lie, the last five kilometres were hard. My legs started to cramp up but the encouragement from the crowds kept me going,” said Brown.
Brown said he plans to do more marathons in the future. He said the support from his family and friends help drive him.
“I really like the challenge,” said Brown.
