While the Calgary Zoo may have brought the penguins inside, runners still hit the trails in support of the 8th annual NYE run.

Organizer Martin Parnell, who is known as the 'Marathon Man' shares this was his coldest marathon he ever ran. With the mercury dipping to -48 with windchill according to Parnell, he was impressed with the runners who still came out. 

Even though Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre was gracious to offer up the indoor track it was difficult to get the word out in time. "I went down there Saturday morning and had a chat. I was on social media on Saturday afternoon trying to pump it out but it was tough. Eventually, 68 came out signed up and out of those 30 went outside, so that was pretty impressive." Five of the runners were marathoners and one even ran 50 km. 

Runners Tara Paton and Paul Sinclair braved the elements despite the frosty temps. Paton who is a seasoned winter runner stated the conditions weren't all that bad you just need to keep a slower pace. Running the first 14km, Paton and Sinclair stopped into the rec centre but shared thawing out, is not good. "I can feel the dampness coming through now, that is when it starts sucking." Sinclair not only commented on Cochrane's beautiful pathways but the overall scenery. "It's wonderful, the sun is gorgeous on the river. It's actually very nice out there as long as you keep moving."

Parnell who headed out wearing 3 layers on his legs and 5 layers on top as well as a jacket, says running in weather that cold takes a lot out of a person.

The bigger focus of the event remains on fundraising. So far Parnell has raised $3400 of his $5000 goal if he reaches his goal not only will the ice rink be laid down but it will enable six girls from across Afghanistan to attend a week-long winter sports week in Bamyan in March. "That is unheard of; to have girls come from different provinces enjoy a sports week, is kind of a first."

Help Martin reach his $5000 goal by donating HERE, the donation link will remain open until January 14.

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