Reid Coolsaet at the 2012 Summer Olympics (Photo: Wikipedia Commons)
The unique event features teams of men and women running six alternate legs to cover the marathon distance of 42.195-kilometres.
Also on the team is Alex Genest of Lac-aux-Sables, who recorded a seasonal best in the men’s 3000-metres steeplechase at the Games. Other team members include Krista DuChene of Brantford and Lanni Marchant of London. Both women have run under the 2013 World Championship marathon standard; Rachel Hannah, Barrie, ON; Tarah Korir St. Clements, ON Geoff Martinson, Prince George, B.C.; and Rob Watson Guelph, ON.
The race will unfold as follows:
1st leg – men’s 5km; 2nd leg – women’s 5km; 3rd leg – men’s 10km; 4th leg – women’s 5km; 5th leg – men’s 10km; and the final leg 6th leg – women’s 7.195km.
The Integrated Support Team includes Jon Brown, Victoria, B.C., team leader; Rick Mannen, Brantford, ON, coach; and
Ron O’Hare, Aurora, ON, physiotherapist
The first International Chiba Ekiden was held in 1988. The event made the move to mixed gender teams in 2007., while Genest recorded a seasonal best in the men’s 3000-metres steeplechase. The team is also comprised of Krista DuChene of Brantford, Ont., and Lanni Marchant of London, Ont. Both women have run under the 2013 World Championship marathon standard.
