Guest Speaker - Bruce Deacon

Bruce Deacon began running at the age of 11 and soon dreamed of running the Olympic marathon. In 1996, his dream became a reality when he represented Canada in Atlanta. Over a 12 year period, Bruce raced at major international championships including the World Athletics Championships, a Commonwealth Games and a Pan American Games. He has the second most sub 2:20 marathons in Canadian history and has a personal best time of 2:13:18.

Deacon’s career highlights include a come-from-behind 11th place finish at the 1995 World Athletics Championships and a silver medal at the 2003 Pan American Games. More recently, he won the masters division at the New York City Marathon and placed second as a master at the Boston Marathon.

Away from the road, Deacon has spent 15 years in the education sector, working in diverse roles including high school teacher, founder and principal of an independent school, and various positions within the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Advanced Education. He currently works for the Canadian Olympic Committee, leading their Vancouver office and managing education and community relations programs and initiatives.

He is the on-line coach for the Royal Victoria Marathon, and coaches individual recreational runners wanting to better their times or complete their first marathon.

Last minute banquet tickets may be available at the Runner's Den until Friday @3pm, and then at the Race Expo. $25.00 each.