Andrea Beres is turning 50 this month. As a runner, celebrating with her family and friends at the Calgary Marathon Race Weekend just made sense. “The organizers do such a great job with the Race Weekend, there are events for every ability and distance from five and ten kilometers to the half marathon and marathon,” says Beres who enjoys cheering her family and friends to the finish line as much as she does competing herself.
Whether you walk or run, it doesn’t matter, Beres is all about getting everyone she knows to be more active. As a result, she’ll be cheering on her sister-in-law who has made a commitment to fitness and will be walking the 10K. “Races can be intimidating to people and I want more people to know this is a great way to get out there and meet others who are like minded,” she explains.
While Beres has run 20 marathons, and 50 half marathons, she only began running after her children were born. “We were new to Calgary, and running was a great way to get to know the city,” she says. Encouraging her children and her husband to be more active has always been a focus. “When you have children you want to be able to participate with them,” she says. “My husband does 5Ks and 10Ks, so we are really trying to set a good example.”
According to Beres, one great things about the Calgary Marathon is the fact that you cross the finish line inside the Stampede Grounds but the birthday worthy race weekend doesn’t end there. “It’s very inclusive, with something for everyone,” she says, “From the t-shirts and medals to the children’s events and full marathon distance, it checks every box for an incredible experience.”
