Jenny Uechi
Posted: May 1st, 2011
Vancouver Observer
They came with runners on their feet, water bottles in hand and a sense of purpose in their heart.
At 6 a.m. on Sunday, thousands of athletes gathered at Concord Place for the 41st annual BMO Vancouver Marathon. While many were avid runners looking to best their personal time, some were simply here to run for loved ones or to raise awareness for a global cause.
Lee Turner, a trim-looking runner, proudly shows off three badges on her jacket and T-shirt.
"This one is my sister -- she'd been missing to me for the last 45 years, and found me two years ago," she says, pointing to the left badge. "The other is my best friend, who's 77. She's supposed to be here, but she's going blind." The badge in the centre is her grandmother.
"I'm running for these people today," she beams.
The BMO Marathon will be her last race before Turner goes for knee surgery. She wears sturdy braces -- custom made, $1520 each, she says -- which will hopefully allow her to run the race "pain free".
Turner says that after 27 years of avid running, her knees have been worn down to the point that there is almost no cartilege left. Still, thanks to her running coach, Rainy Kent, she says she's been able to work around her limitations and take on the half-marathon today.
Lee Turner finished her marathon!!!
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