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A day in the life of Mississauga director Brody Coles: Planning a big city marathon

Mississauga Marathon race director Brody Coles had a very busy April 30-May 1 weekend preparing for the event. Here's what went down pre- and post-race.

A marathon, a half-marathon, really any race, is a huge effort. Unless you’re participating in some sort of ultra though, that effort is limited to several hours, tops.

What about when you’re “running” a marathon, in the logistical sense, though?

Canadian Running spoke with Brody Coles, the race director of the Mississauga Marathon about what his race day is like. The Mississauga Marathon includes seven events, spanning from a 5K to a certified Boston-qualifier full marathon and has around 8,500 runners and 1,500 volunteers. For Coles, “running” this marathon is a 365-day endeavour.

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This is how Coles’ race day goes:

early alarm

10:38 p.m. Saturday, April 30 (the night before the marathon)

After a full day of supervising all the activity at our 5K and 10K events, I set my alarm for the next morning. My phone unsympathetically informs me: your alarm is set for two hours and 22 minutes from now…this is a sight that no one likes to see.

1 a.m. Sunday, May 1 (race day)

Race day — I attempt not to wake up my dog at this ungodly hour (I am unsuccessful).

1:10 a.m.

I check the weather and see rain all day. I cringe and proceed to put on my four layers.

1:20 a.m.

Caffeine time. It’s going to be a long day.

2 a.m.

I arrive at the start line with my colleague. It’s hard to believe that in mere hours, this ghost town will be crowded with thousands of runners. It’s a bit of an eerie experience. We close the roads surrounding the starting shoot.

Runner Rob blazing fast. #mississaugamarathon @mississaugamarathon #thinkfastbefast photo by @edison2176

A photo posted by Grand River Endurance Run Club (@enduranceriver) on

5 a.m.

The most eager of runners start to arrive.

5:30 a.m.

My awesome staff and volunteers have the start under control, so I leave to go check on the finish line. I drive down a deserted Hurontario with my tunes pumping, getting in the zone as if I were joining those thousands of runners on the start line in two hours.

6 a.m.

I arrive at the finish line, greeted by 100 sopping wet, but enthusiastic nonetheless, volunteers.

6:30 a.m.

I leave the finish area to check and make sure that our police are present along the course and in place and taken care of.

7:30 a.m.

I hear on the radio that “the 2016 Mississauga Marathon is underway” and I resist the urge to yell “that’s my baby” back at the radio. At this point, the course is set up, the roads are closed, the runners are doing their thing –there is no turning back now.

8:40:19 a.m.

Half-marathon winner crosses the finish line.

9:55:44 a.m.

Marathon winner crosses the finish line.

8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Experience every emotion as I watch runners and spectator celebrate their achievements and those of their loved ones. It’s a little cliche to say, but I think my sense of accomplishment comes from knowing that I contributed to being able to make those moments happen for all those people.

3-4 p.m.

My unreal crew (still sopping wet) are heroes during clean up.

5 p.m.

Bedtime. 365 days till next time.

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