Even with the cancellation of the Oasis Montreal Marathon, 23 teenagers will still meet the challenge of a lifetime: participating in a marathon

Three of the future marathon runners are young Syrian immigrants

MONTREAL, Sept. 22, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - After participating in 172 training sessions over eleven months and running 1,181 kilometers – more than the distance between Montreal and Gaspe, – a group of 23 young people living in high-risk environments of neighbourhoods like Côte-des-Neiges, Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Montréal-Nord and St-Henri, as well as from the Centre jeunesse de Montréal, will undertake the mythical 42.2 km run along the Richelieu River instead of the streets of Montreal as originally intended. This Sunday, they will still participate in the big Montreal running fiesta in the half-marathon event. They will then continue their training a few weeks until the Chambly marathon, on October 15.

Following the decision of the organizers of the Oasis Montreal Marathon to cancel the full marathon, the Students in the running team quickly assessed its options to enable the 2016-2017 cohort to live the full experience of the program. Even if the departure from Jacques-Cartier Bridge and the arrival at La Fontaine Park will undoubtedly be outstanding experiences, the participants would have been disappointed to end the adventure without having reached their original goal  – running a marathon.

Students in the running does welcome the decision of the organizers to cancel the full marathon and will take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of students and mentors during the half-marathon they will be running this Sunday. This has been a core value of Students in the running since the onset and this weekend will be no exception.

This change in venue does not tarnish the feat of our future marathonians. For the first time in its history, Students in the running will have three young Syrian immigrants in its group: Kais Fallouh, Fadi Haddad and Jamil Abdulahad will take part in the Marathon, acting as strong models of determination and perseverance, key values of the Students in the running program.

The youth enrolled in the Students in the running program are 15 to18 years old and attend a Montreal high school. On October 15, nearly a year of hard work will come to fruition, as they run their first marathon. This year, the 159^th marathon runner since the program's inception should cross the finish line.

Through a gradual but rigorous training program, with the support of inspiring mentors and the motivating dynamics of a tight-knit group, these teenagers learned the value of physical activity, healthy eating and discipline; they gained a greater self-esteem and will be able to apply this success to other goals they set for themselves.

In order to motivate and support them in their future development, Students in the running will award a scholarship to each student who successfully completes the program. The scholarships will be awarded by Dentons at a gala event held at Montreal City Hall, later this fall.

Another "first"this year

For the very first time since the beginning of the program, eight years ago, a young participant succeded in attending all of the training sessions and pre-event runs, showing an unprecedented level of determination and motivation. Kais Fallouh, 17, is one of the young Syrian immigrants who joined the program in October last year. He attends Sophie-Barat school in the Montreal neighbourhood of Ahuntsic.

Quotes

"These youth have come a long way, and not just while running. This marathon is the culmination of nearly a year of sustained efforts, discipline and determination. While the ultimate goal is the 42.2 km trek, the path leading to this event is even more important; it shows these teenagers that with a lot of determination, challenges that initially seem insurmountable can be met."

Éric Leclerc
Spokesperson, Students in the running

"The program made my integration to Quebec easier this year. I discovered the social codes of my new home, I got used to the Québécois accent, I made friends with other participants and mentors, and I even learned to enjoy running in winter conditions! I am also very proud of having improved my physical condition to the point where I can run a marathon!"

Kais Fallouh, 17 years old
Participant, Students in the running, 2016-2017 group

About Students in the running (Étudiants dans la course)
The Students in the running program is dedicated to students from disadvantaged communities in Montreal who want to achieve a bold goal: crossing the finish line at the Rock 'N' Roll Oasis Montreal Marathon. Supported by volunteer mentors and trainers dedicated to the perseverance and well-being of the teenagers, the selected students undergo ten months of rigorous training.

Generous sponsors and partners provide critical support by financing activities related to the program, including equipment, student-support initiatives and other specialized resources. These precious partners include Asics, Blakes, Boutique Courir, Deloitte, Dentons, Club d'athlétisme les Vainqueurs, Info-Crime, Provigo and Maxi, as well as the City of Montréal. As of the 2017-2018 season, Sports Experts will also join Students in the running as an equipment partner. For more details, please visit www.etudiantsdanslacourse.org.

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SOURCE Students in the running