100th Anniversary Tom Longboat Run held in Williamstown

On Sunday August 10th, 2008, the 100th anniversary of Tom Longboats Run took place at the Great Raisin River race in Williamstown, Ontario. The 2008 race, which is always a part of the Historic Williamstown Fair, featured a 5K and an 11K race to honor this great First Nations Runner. Local athletes from Akwesasne competed in both races last Sunday. Kasennakohe Tarbell ran in her first 5K ( 3.1 mile) event finishing in a strong 26:21.5 placing her 75th out of 219 runners. Her average of 5:17 / km earned her a medal for 3rd place out of 14 in her age group. Asked how her first big race went and she replied, “it was both hard and easy at times, but in the end I really enjoyed it.”

In the 11.5 km race, Shawn Martin finished 21st out of 130 finishers in a time of 46:54.4. His average of 4:16 / km earned him a 4th place out of 15 in his age group ( 30-39).

Also from Akwesasne, Warren Conners finished 37th out of 130 in a time of 50:52.1. His average of 4:38 / km gave him a 10th place / 22 finish in his age group ( 40-49).

Shawn was also interviewed by APTN, an aboriginal television network. “They caught me at registration and asked if it was alright to be filmed and asked me a few questions.” “I thought it was kind of strange to have a camera following me around as I stretched and warmed up and everyone in the race looking at me. I wasn’t looking for any special time or place since I have never run the race or an 11.5 km race before, but it was fun and I would run it again, for sure.”