Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

Arctic Bay (Apr 08/02) - Planning for the annual Midnight Sun Marathon and Road Race is underway once again.

Arctic Bay resident Frank May said the event -- usually held on the long weekend in July -- will take place again this year. Participants from across Canada and the United States have been travelling to the North Baffin community to run the race for more than 20 years.

Formerly run by the Nanisivik mine and known as the Midnight Sun Marathon, it was taken over by May and his cronies a few years ago when the mine pulled out of organizing.

"It's smaller, but it's a more intimate run," said May. "Some people who have been to both prefer the Arctic Bay one because it's smaller and you really get to mix with all the people," he said.

Runners choose between an 84-kilometre jaunt, a 42-km run and a five and 10-km event.

The track is the mountainous terrain along Nunavut's only highway -- the gruelling road between Arctic Bay and Nanisivik.

May, who has the home advantage and trains during the year on the highway, chooses to go with gusto and laces up for the 84 kilometres.

"It's no fun," he joked.

Iqaluit resident Sherry McLean has been heading north for the event for years. She said she's collected a total of 16 names from people interested in running this year.

"I don't expect a rush, but we've been having a couple of names come in every week or two," said McLean.

McLean plans to run in the 42-km event this year.

For more information or to register for the race, contact McLean in Iqaluit or May in Arctic Bay.