Pan Am 2015 Torch Relay (video)
I had the privilege of participation in the Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games Torch Relay. I carried the torch in my home town, in front of a few great friends last Friday. I was beginning to think I was just not into the whole games thing until I picked up the torch. It really ignited the spirit of the games. Pretty darn cool. When they dropped me at my start point the first person I saw was the other half of the Blister Sisters! It was just awesome that Glenis was there to run with me and the whole time she was filming this wonderful video of my run. It’s a perfect keepsake for me!
The video is a little off kilter in places but after all she was running up a hill trying not to trip over any one, what a great memory!
Here’s a little about the torch and flame.
- The torch relay will start in Canada on May 30, 2015, and will make its final stop on July 10, 2015, at the Opening Ceremony of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games.
- It’s on the move for 41 days
- There are 3,000 torchbearers
- It travels 5,000+ kilometers on the road
- 15,000+ kilometers in the air
- 130 communities
- 60+ alternative modes of transportation – canoe, bike, boat, roller coaster, air, skydiver you name it, it’s done it
- There is a second torch relay for the Parapan Am Games in August (I’m not involved in that relay)
Here is a little information about the torch:
- Length: 65 cm
- Weight: 1.2 kg (heavier than I thought it would be)
- Material: aluminum
- 10 to 12 minutes’ burn time
- Can withstand winds up to 70 km/h
- Visible in all weather conditions
We have a few rules to follow about not setting our hair on fire but that was about it. You’ll notice in the video that I was surrounded by police who ran in a “pod” around me. There was a heavy police presence, about 5 more unmarked cars followed us and there were a few on bikes. I’m sure they weren’t there for me; it was all about that flame! Pretty cool!
Blister Sister Adventure Race Team 