The Running Whys – Pete McHugh
The Running Whys – Peter McHugh
One year, he ran through pain associated with a broken toe on his left foot. Another, the throbbing aches in his Achilles tendon were so bad, his running season was cut short. So instead, he walked in a race that’s come to mean so much to him, it’s like a trusted friend.
Yes, since Pete McHugh signed on for the inaugural running of Marathon by the Sea, he has made it to the start line each and every time.
And today, he owns a prized collection of 19 consecutive finishing medals, a source of pride which rewards his dedication and consistency in an event that soon celebrates its 20th anniversary.
This year figures to be no exception as the veteran distance runner is planning to tackle the intrigue associated with the newly-formed 12-kilometre route and add it to his wealth of MBTS experiences, continuing his membership in the all-so exclusive club.
“In the beginning, I was a big runner and I did all the runs. As years went on, I knew I had a streak going (at MBTS),” said McHugh, who once earned top spot in his age category for the 5-miler and cracked a 1:33:56 half marathon clocking in another rewarding effort.
“I did not want to break the string and I had to keep on running. If I get to the point where I can’t run, I am not going to keep doing it just to do it. There were a few little burps where I was injured but I knew I would be able to come back from them and I did. I want to keep running as long as I am able.”
Pete, who lives in Grand Bay-Westfield but spent most of his life in Saint John, ran the 10k distance in the first edition of MBTS and has competed in half marathons and 5-milers in many others.
He’s run by himself, accompanied his wife Anne in several and while he does not compete in other Run NB races any longer, he still gets just as prepared and excited for his annual meeting with Marathon by the Sea now as he did for the first one.
“I always knew people in the race, so I would do my run and then go back down to Market Square or wherever the finish line was and cheer the other runners on and watch people come in,” he said.
“It is very emotional, especially for people who are running their first marathon. I like to go there and take it all in. It is amazing and I really enjoy it.”
It’s translated into an important ritual for Pete and many of his family and friends.
“Over the years, I have gone with different runners,” he said. “I went with a friend who ran their first half marathon. My wife started running and it was pretty fun to run a couple of 10 k runs with her.
“I ran the half marathon quite a few times and one of my favourite memories was at Marathon by the Sea. My mom (Betty) came to watch me for the first time (in 2000). It was one of my best runs ever and it was my best half marathon time. A friend of mine was taking her around the course and I saw her at different points, cheering me on. She only came to one race, so it was pretty cool.”
Each year, as he got ready for MBTS, most everything went smoothly for Pete, a project lead for capital projects for NB Power at Point Lepreau.
But there were a few times when a fierce determination was required to keep the impressive streak alive.
“There was one race when I was scheduled to do the 5-Miler and on the Friday night before the run, I hit my foot on a door casing and I broke my baby toe,” he explained. “I strapped my foot up tight and ran the race anyway. It was not so bad. My time was not as good as it should have been but I ran the race.”
Then, after heavy mileage in 2000 led to an Achilles tendon injury in 2001, he walked the 5-mile MBTS course that summer during his recovery.
No way he was going to miss it.
“I signed up for the 5-miler and walked it, with a bit of running. It took one hour and seven minutes. I ran for three minutes at the first, and at the first water stop, I was the very last person there. I knew some of the firemen who were there and they were wondering what was going on and I told them I was walking it.”
Every year, regardless of the weather, the August or September timing, the location, the various changes and adaptations organizers have made to the event that once was part of Festival by the Sea, Pete remains one of the constants.
He’s learn to appreciate the benefits of massage, both pre-race and post race and last week, put together one last long training run before scaling back his mileage slightly in time for the starter’s horn on August 10.
Last year, he ran No. 19, finishing 50th overall in a large field of 532 competitors in the 5-miler. It was an especially emotional period, as his mother passed away later in the day. He’ll cherish her memory when he runs the 12-km distance this year, a special personal tribute that’s sure to provide an emotional tie into his 20th run at MBTS.
