It was a welcome return for the Race on the River.
Opening ceremonies on Friday gave way to racing on the East River the following day that included an exciting photo finish in the Grand Final race. It featured the winning teams from three categories: community, corporate and come from away.
The Dartmouth Dragon Beasts edged the corporate champion Michelin Tire Huggers by 0.35 seconds and the community champion Northern Grit by 0.77 seconds. It was considered the closest three-way finish in the event’s history. The times were 1:10:81 for first place, 1:11:16 for second and 1:11:58 for third.
The Dragon Beasts’ win also came about 20 minutes after they advanced in the come from away final in 1:08:60.
The Tire Huggers won the corporate final in 1:06:66, while Northern Grit’s winning time in the community final was 1:09:88.
Busom Buddies defeated the host Women Alike team in the Breast Cancer final, while the Bluenosers won the Special Olympics final.
Dion Antle, who chairs the event’s board of directors, said he was pleased with how it turned out.
“We’re quite proud of our event,” he said. “We had a fantastic turnout. It’s been nothing but positive feedback, and I really appreciate the effort by our volunteers.”
Dr. Lisa Barrett was the event honorary chairperson and said she was glad she attended the event.
“Someone said I might be excited and I was,” she said. “I am very impressed with the teams and their enthusiasm on a super hot day, and the number of volunteers is an incredible thing.”
Race on the River’s return included the carnation ceremony where survivors, family and friends could release carnations into the river.
Stephanie Benoit shared her thoughts about her mother Darlene Benoit’s breast cancer journey before the ceremony. The journey began in 2011, but Benoit said the cancer was caught early.
“I was worried that this outcome was going to slow her down in life,” she said. “Funny enough, it has done the complete opposite. In the past 10 years, my mom has blossomed into the happiest version of herself that I have ever seen.”
The transformation has included joining Women Alike paddlers and staring down her fear of water and flying to taking flights to Florida, Italy and Vancouver. The last trip was to compete in the Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival.
A total of $65,000 was announced for the three chosen charities: Women Alike Abreast A River, Pictou County Prostate Association and Special Olympics Pictou County. Further funds were received later.
Commented
Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles.