‘Toughest course of all’: Two East Coast runners overcome hills for first Blue Nose wins

Among hundreds of participants, two runners won their very first Blue Nose Marathon in Halifax on Sunday. 

Stanley Chaisson from Stratford, P.E.I., crossed the finish line in two hours, 34 minutes and 10 seconds. Abby Edison, originally from Newfoundland and Labrador but living in Halifax, was the first woman to finish the race in three hours, 14 minutes and 15 seconds. 

This was Edison’s second marathon. The 25-year-old qualified for next year’s Boston Marathon with her performance. She said the support from the crowd, volunteers and other runners gave her the boost of energy she needed to cross the finish line. 

“I find [running] almost like meditation,” Edison said. “It’s the time of the day when my brain is relaxed and I can kind of just let my body move.”

Edison said the course was challenging, a sentiment she shared with Chaisson.

Chaisson, a physical education teacher who runs in his spare time, has won multiple marathons across North America, but Halifax offers the toughest challenge of all. 

“It’s hillier, but beautiful and I’m glad I did it,” he said. “I’m just happy to be here.”

Chaisson’s son, Kaleb Chaisson, was at the race cheering from the sidelines. He said one day he wants to run a marathon.

“I’m actually really proud, but I wasn’t too concerned because he practises all the time so I knew he would do good in the race,” Kaleb said of his dad.

While Chaisson celebrated his win with his family and Edison with ice cream, others enjoyed their runner’s high with a beer.

Karolina Tomaszewska, who ran the half-marathon, is part of RunTOBeer, a non-competitive run club based in Toronto that partners with local breweries and restaurants. Roughly 35 to 40 members travelled to the East Coast for the race.

“We like beer,” Tomaszewska said. “I like to stay active and I like to keep moving. I love adventuring and so I feel this is like a great place to adventure.”

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