Polar Bear Marathon is in the book—literally

The runners pose at the Inukshuk in Churchill after the run. (David Peters)

MANITOBA – In spite of obstacles, the 11th Polar Bear Marathon, held on November 19, 2022, was completed—to God’s glory!

Nine of us were to fly together to Churchill for the marathon. Travel became more interesting as our pilot was watching a blizzard that was raging in Churchill. Calm Air flights to Churchill were cancelled, but our pilot was watching for a “window” in the storm and decided it was safe to fly.

After a two-and-a-half-hour delay in the schedule, our pilot gave us a great flight with a very smooth landing in Churchill right into the storm. Our pilot’s name? Stormy.

We have been working on a coffee table book for the tenth anniversary of the Polar Bear Marathon. In spite of a delay, we were able to take delivery of the book a day before we left for Churchill!

Six international runners had been stuck in Winnipeg on Friday due to Calm Air’s flight cancellation. However, they got on the first flight on Saturday morning, so we were able to postpone the start of the run from 8 am to noon. The weather was beautiful and the scenery spectacular after the storm and everyone finished the run.

We were blessed to see a bear with two cubs the day after the run. They were walking on the Churchill River near the Prince of Wales Fort. We also encountered a beautiful red fox who came right to our vehicle, and then watched a silver fox as it was meandering right along the side of the road.

The book celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Polar Bear Marathon is available to purchase from Mennonite Heritage Village in Steinbach, Man., or by contacting Albert Martens. Proceeds of the book sales support a school food program for children in Churchill.

Our awards dinner was a wonderful event. Joanne Stover from the Duke of Marlborough School brought 19 children from the Northern Lights choir to bless our banquet with three songs. Harold Cooper (Athletes in Action) was our speaker, and he had a fantastic presentation. Harold had come up to the PBM a few times to help for previous events. In the last two years he decided to make a lifestyle change and began running. This year he came as a runner and completed the 10 km distance.

Through the generosity of a sponsor, we were able to forward the proceeds of the book sales to a children’s charity in Churchill, namely the breakfast club (food program) of the school in Churchill.

Sometimes the challenges and stress we encounter feels like the evil one wants to destroy everything, but the Lord blessed us mightily, above and beyond anything we could imagine. As a clerk at Costco reminded me just a few weeks ago, “Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4 KJV).

Thank you for your prayers.