Runners lace up for police half-marathon in Winnipeg
Event raised funds for brain cancer research and treatment
Thousands of runners laced up for the annual Winnipeg Police Service Half Marathon at Assiniboine Park on Sunday.
The 13th annual event raised funds for the Canadian Cancer Society and this year's event was in support of brain cancer research.
Brain cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths among youth and young adults.
- Tragically Hip fan Joanne Schiewe dead of same brain cancer Gord Downie has
- Young mom with terminal cancer raises $3K for research
In a message on the marathon's website the race director Nick Paulet wrote a tribute to the half marathon legend Joanne Scheiwe who passed away after a battle with brain cancer last August.
Schiewe was also a big Tragically Hip fan and had the same form of terminal brain cancer that Tragically Hip frontman Gord Downie has.
She was awarded the Canadian Cancer Society's highest honour after the race.
"Joanne touched so many lives and made such a difference on so many levels,'' Canadian Cancer Society — Manitoba volunteer chairperson Elmer Gomes said. "We honour her tenacity, her spirit and her courage today with this award."
About 2,900 runners were expected to take part in Sunday's run.
.<a href="https://twitter.com/WPSHalfMarathon">@WPSHalfMarathon</a> all set for Sunday morning at 8 am. Motorists, we appreciate your patience with the road closures. <a href="https://t.co/dSmY7nvQLl">https://t.co/dSmY7nvQLl</a> <a href="https://t.co/M2MgW0MYZC">pic.twitter.com/M2MgW0MYZC</a>
—@wpgpolice