Double lung transplant recipient finishes event less than year after her operation
WIKWEMIKONG—Wiky Road Runners 10k Road Race organizer Henry Hoy couldn’t keep the emotion out of his voice as he recognized the inspirational effort of walker Mary Agnes Manitowabi, who completed the walk less than a year after receiving a double lung transplant.
“I get emotional about special people,” he said. “I am especially proud of Mary Agnes, a double lung transplant recipient who completed this year’s race. She is an inspiration to all of us.”
Mr. Hoy noted the health benefits of physical activity and the role that the Wikwemikong Health Centre plays in hosting the annual race each year.
The Manitoulin Expositor Wiky Road Runners 10k Road Race trophy for the top overall runner went to Sebastien Diebel this year, who completed the run in 37:23 minutes, second place went to Neil Phipps with a time of 37:35 and third across the finish line was James Scott with a time of 37:50.
The Wikwemikong Board of Education trophy for the top female runner went to Sara Meilraith who crossed the finish line at 39:30. Second place went to Michelle Kennedy with a time of 41:09 and third place went to Mary Strain with a time of 41:54.
Mr. Hoy explained that The Expositor trophy was sponsored an amazing 44 years ago for the inaugural race, followed by the Wikwemikong Board of Education trophy for the top female runner 10 years later.
Top high school runner (youth) went to James Scott with a time of 38:17 and top female youth went to Sierra Pangowish with a time of 52:13.
Runners (and walkers) from across the Island and far beyond come to Manitoulin each year for the Wiky Road Race, a healthy tradition that is sponsored by the Wikwemikong Health Centre each year.
