2012 Skate the Common Marathon Halifax NS

The Skate the Common Marathon returned to the Halifax Common on February 18th and 19th, 2012, with six races over two days, including two new events: Tri-the-Oval, a skate-bike-run winter triathlon sanctioned by Triathlon Nova Scotia, and the 3K Top Blade Sledge Race, both firsts for the Common.

Warming up for the 5K Family Race
Photo by Peter Steeper

After a week of challenging weather, conditions improved on Saturday morning for the 5K Icebreaker Family and Open races.

Olivia Gowan of Fredericton NB showing great form in the 5K Open

Photo by Peter Steeper

In the afternoon, the weather and ice were great and the skating fast for the 25K Big Ice Challenge.

Susan Hayden enjoying the 25K Big Ice Challenge
Photo by Elio Dolente

The weather was cold and windy Sunday morning for the triathlon.

Landon Zeeman and Mike Christie in the lead in the Tri-the-Oval winter triathlon
Photo by Peter Steeper

Sunday afternoon, the ice was fast for the 10K Hockey/Speed Skate Challenge, and the sledge race.

Start of the 10K Hockey/Speed Skate Challenge
Photo by Peter Steeper

Jake Maarse of North Gower, ON, who skated all three skating marathon distances, was the overall winner of the 5K Open, and 10K Hockey/Speed Skate Challenge, and came second in the 25K Big Ice Challenge. Landon Zeeman was the overall winner of the 25K, and the Tri-the-Oval Triathlon.

Dave Waters and Vicki Morton on their way to winning their classes

Photo by Peter Steeper

Fifteen sledge hockey players from the Annapolis Valley, Cape Breton, and the Halifax Regional Municipality competed in the 3K Top Blade Sledge Race. Vicki Morton, Sam Meehan, Eric Durand, Dave Waters, and Van Bernard won their classes.

Complete results are available here.

More pictures by the marathon's official photographer, PeterSteeper.ca available here.