WATCH: Two very different races, two marriage proposals
Runners felt romantic at the World Backyard Ultra champs in Summerland, B.C., and across the country at the P.E.I. Half Marathon
After 40 hours and 268.4 km, Quebec’s Marco Poulin knew he was finished running. He still had one thing left to do, though–propose to his girlfriend and crew member, Isabelle Normand. Poulin spent the weekend running for the Canadian team at the satellite edition of the World Backyard Ultra Championships, where 15-runner teams in 37 countries have been running 6.71 km loops every hour until they can no longer continue.
Tapping out of a backyard ultra, particularly the world champs, comes with mixed emotions, and runners usually head to rest, re-fuel, and process the physical and mental challenges. Poulin’s legs may have been exhausted, but he still had the enthusiasm to co-ordinate a special moment. Watch as the tired athlete manages to get down on one knee after running loops for 40 hours straight. Marco, we admire your flexibility.
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While every runner participating in the World Backyard Ultra champs is undeniably inspiring, Poulin’s story is particularly remarkable. The athlete, 57, formerly homeless and struggling with substance use disorder, is now a social worker and motivational speaker.
The World Backyard Ultra championships are well underway, and the Canadian team is still in the top 6 teams, with 3 athletes continuing through yard 46 (308 km) Monday morning. You can find out more about the event here, and check out team Canada’s progress here.
On Sunday in Charlottetown, P.E.I., Scott Porter raced to the half marathon finish line in front of his girlfriend, Samantha Legge, so that he could be ready to propose, suit jacket and all.
P.E.I. Marathon weekend is always pretty special – @PEIGuardian @PEIMarathon pic.twitter.com/93gjLL5TDJ
— Alison from The Guardian (@ReporterAlison) October 16, 2022
Legge and Porter, both based in New Brunswick, met online and discovered a mutual love of running, reported the Saltwire. They ran the Fredricton 10K together in the spring and haven’t looked back.
When Legge finished her race, Porter was ready in his sports jacket and got down on one knee to propose. “This Island is special to her, and I wanted to make this moment very special,” Porter explained. “I wanted to do it after a race because racing is what brought us together.”
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