2006 Annual Report

Run New Brunswick (RunNB) is a committee of Athletics New Brunswick (ANB), comprised of a Chairperson (Phil Booker), Vice-Chairperson (Robert Jackson), Treasurer (Paul Lavoie), Secretary (Nadine Currie Jackson) and Race Coordinator (Gilles Gautreau). Run NB operates on an annual budget of approximately $12,000.00, receiving revenue from race participants, and spending funds to produce a yearly race booklet, maintenance of a website, providing liability insurance coverage for runners and race organizers, and awarding prizes to competitive and recreational runners.

On April 19, 2006 Run NB produced and began distribution of 1000 copies of the Road Racing Calendar booklet, listing 40 events from April 30 to November 5, 2006. Each listing included significant information about the event, in many cases showing course record-holders. One more race was added to the website roster during the year, while two races cancelled, bringing the total number of races presented in 2006 to 39.

Road races operated under the banner of Run NB in 2006 at distances ranging from one mile to 42.2 kilometers, and were hosted in 24 different communities, from St. Quentin and St. Francois in the north, to Grand Bay, Grand Manan and Saint John in the south.

Races attracted varying numbers of runners. At the Walk of Life on May 27, just 8 competitors participated in the event. The Marathon By The Sea on August 13 attracted 1238 runners in all three events plus another 250 young participant in the TimBits Harbour Hustle.

Approximately 7400 participants ran in the 39 Run NB events in 2006, for an average of 190 runners per event. This was an increase from 6500 in 2005, and compares with 5300 in 2004.

Run NB encouraged participation by designating 26 "Running Room Superseries" races, at which runners accumulated points within their age category. Standings were updated after each race on the website, enabling runners to track their progress and engage in friendly competition for points. This year, 29 women and 59 men competed in 4 or more Run NB events.

Run NB also encouraged competitive runners in the "Timex" series of 7 races. The top three male and female finishers in each Timex event earned prize money that was awarded at each event. In 2006 the top female in the Timex series was Nadine Currie Jackson of Fredericton, while Thomas Beckum of Caribou, Maine was the winner in the men's standings.

In 2006 Run NB introduced Provincial Championships in the 5K, 8K, 10K, 21.1K and 42.2K distances. The top three finishers overall received prize money, with the male and female winners being crowned provincial champion. A total of $1800.00 in prize money was awarded in 2006.

Many thanks go to our Race Director, Gilles Gautreau, who is the catalyst for Run NB. Gilles continues to work on new innovations to make Run NB better address the NB running population. Also, at the heart of Run NB are the many race directors and numerous volunteers who make each race possible. Run NB acknowledges and expresses its appreciation to all of these volunteers, and to the members of the Run NB committee, all of whom make it possible for road racing to thrive in New Brunswick.

A RunNB financial summary for 2006 is available upon request. Please contact Rob Jackson at rjactm@nb.aibn.com