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Inspirational visually impaired ultrarunner marries guide at Maritime Race Weekend

Rhonda-Marie Parke (nee Avery) and Steven Parke tied the knot in a unique setting on Saturday evening in the Maritimes

Rhonda-Marie Avery
Rhonda-Marie Avery
Photo: Michael Doyle.

Rhonda-Marie Parke (nee Avery), a visually impaired Canadian ultrarunner, married her guide after the Maritime Race Weekend Tidal 15K on Saturday evening.

The ceremony took place at the finish line of the Cole Harbour, N.S. trail race. Parke, the only blind athlete – she has eight per cent vision – to have ever attempted the 100-mile Barkley Marathons in Frozen Head State Park in Tennessee, married Steven Parke in front of approximately 50 people, including finishers of the race.

Parke, who has completed Ontario’s gruelling 885K Bruce Trail, was born with a rare genetic eye disorder called achromatopsia, which means she has no cones in her retina.

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The duo completed the Tartan Trio on Friday and Saturday completing three races over the span of approximately 22 hours. It took them a little less than two hours to complete the out-and-back race on Salt Marsh Trail.

Cupcakes were offered to all participants and guests to celebrate along with a wedding cake. The two travelled from Kitchener, Ont. for Maritime Race Weekend, held annually in Eastern Passage, N.S. (The Tidal Trail 15K takes place in the nearby town of Cole Harbour.)

And don’t worry, they didn’t forget to stop their GPS watches at the finish line.

Photos

Rhonda-Marie Avery
Photo: Michael Doyle.
Rhonda-Marie Avery
Photo: Michael Doyle.
Rhonda-Marie Avery
Photo: Michael Doyle.
Rhonda-Marie Avery
Photo: Michael Doyle.
Rhonda-Marie Avery
Photo: Michael Doyle.
Rhonda-Marie Avery
Photo: Michael Doyle.
Rhonda-Marie Avery
Photo: Michael Doyle.

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