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It'll begin at the fairgrounds at 9 a.m. By Chris Hall Weekend Star Final preparations have now been completed for the second annual Port Perry Half- Marathon, which will kick off Saturday morning at 9 a.m. More than 300 participants are expected to gather at the Port Perry Fairgrounds early tomorrow morning to take part in the event which attracted a total of 286 people during its inaugural run last September. As of last weekend 270 had registered, an encouraging sign for organizer Angela Connolly. "We're definitely going to hit the 300 mark and go over it; the increase is nice to see," said Mrs. Connolly. The route for the half- marathon is virtually the same as the 2000 event, with partici- pants making their way through north on Old Simcoe Rd. to Scugog Line 12 where they will tutn west. From there, they will travel to Cragg Rd. and turn south where they will continue onto Till Rd. and then back east on Scugog Line 10. Runners will then make their way to Old Simcoe Rd. and return to the fairgrounds. "It's going to be the same route, we didn't want to change it a lot because we got such a great response last year," said Mrs. Connolly. "We just wanted to keep it simple and not play with it too much." | Experienced runners can expect to complete the trek in a little more than one hour while others can expect to take up to four hours, she added. The marathon is open to runners of all levels as well as power walkers. Participants must be over the age of 18. For those who would still like to participate or haven't had a chance to sign up yet, registration begins at 8 a.m. at the fairgrounds. There is a fee of $30 to take part, and each participant will receive a medal to mark their ter of North Durham. Approximately $2,500 was raised last year. As well, participants are urged to purchase a 2001 marathon shirt on Saturday; those donating $5 to the Big Brothers agency can buy a shirt Second half-marathon to get underway in Port Perry Saturday for only $10. Increased costs this year, however, such as medals, shirts and a professional company to look after timing, will cut into profits for Big Brothers, says Mrs. Connolly. That's the rea- son behind the push to sell shirts, she explained. Water stations will be set up every three-kilometres, and Gatorade refreshments will be available starting at the eight- kilometre mark. Volunteers will be able to communicate with each other this year, ensuring that each participant is accounted for at all times. Cyclists will be on hand with first-aid equipment in case of emergency and another cyclist will travel with the last person on the run. Ceremonies will begin at the fairgrounds around 11:30 a.m., | 21-kilometres of beautiful accomplishment. and after.the marathon partici- . peountryside. . i Funds from the marathon pants are urged to visit various Starting from the fair- yi pe forwarded along to the eateries and merchants in Port grounds, runners will head Big Brothers/Big Sisters chap- Perry's downtown core, who will give discounts when shown runners' bibs. Anyone interested in taking part in the second annual Port Perry Half-Marathon can show up before 9 a.m. on Saturday or visit www.pphm.org for more information. The Connollys are getting prepared for the second annual Port Perry Half-Marathon, which will be held this Saturday. From bottom left, Liam, Adam, Angela, Alexandra and Mitchell. Port Perry Scorpions in urgent need of hockey equipment By Rik Davie challenged people in the facingacrunchthatwillsee and funds, but see their these kids a valuable pro- team). Weekend Star Port Perry and Uxbridge the program vanish with- best hope in the communi- gram." For anyone who has The Port Perry area. out the help of local busi- ty spirit of Port Perry and The club needs every seen the Scorpions in Scorpions are a special bunch of hockey players looking for some special ,-people to keep them on he ice. The Scorpions are a not- for-profit group that pro- vides sports programs for mentally and physically $7 STILT | Throughout the summer months they conduct a baseball program and have operated an inten- sive hockey program to allow challenged persons of all age groups to enjoy Canada's sport. This year the group is ness and community lead- ers as well as just plain folks. Lynn Pupella, fundrais- ing co-ordinator for the group, told The Star they are appealing to local businesses through letters for needed equipment Uxbridge. "We need equipment to keep these kids on the ice," Ms. Pupella said. "There is a charge to play on the Scorpions, but because we turn no one away because of cost, we need the extra help to give type of equipment in almost every size up to and including adult gear. They also need cash to buy equipment and to pay for ice time. The Scorpions still owe an outstanding ice time fee (they pay full ice fees like every other action, the look on the faces of challenged players who feel the freedom of the ice and the chance to play the game of their heroes is self-explanatory. To help call Lynn Pupella at 905-852-3035. --,, a Ia Lh aa + ot ae ot a el Si Soi) NEEL aE CEL | ue ull +e AN PIZZA, SUBS © &WINGS 80 Water Sty Port Pemy | 11b. i ph bread