From the weekend PEI paper, on the PEI Marathon next weekend (which is expecting 1,500 participants in the various events — not shabby for a wee Island)!

“Premier Robert Ghiz, who ran the half marathon last year despite nursing an injury, is set to tackle the 21-kilometre route again. He considers the marathon weekend a strong vehicle to promote both exercise and tourism.

“For myself, it’s a great way to stay in shape and to burn off some stress,’’ he says. The biggest challenge for the premier is finding the time to put in the training.

As for comparing a half marathon to a political race, Ghiz sees similarities.

“They’re both very challenging but when you reach the finish line hopefully they both will be very rewarding.’’”