All Posts By

Damien

Jun 16 2025
0

2025 Under Armour Toronto 10K Brings Big Energy to Toronto’s Waterfront with Celebration of Spirit, Strength and Community

By | Under Armour Toronto 10K | No Comments

Thousands take part in one of the city’s most anticipated 10K events

TORONTO, ON (June 14, 2025) – The 2025 Under Armour Toronto 10K brought together nearly 8,500 runners, walkers, and wheelers along Toronto’s Lakeshore today with a gripping finish for the elite men and women. From world-class athletes to first-time runners, and thousands of spectators cheering them on, the race showcased the full spectrum of the running community.

A signature event in Canada Running Series’ (CRS) road racing calendar, the Under Armour Toronto 10K brought together participants of all ages and abilities, ranging from 9 to 82. The event served as a community hub for Toronto run clubs and welcomed representation from 25 countries, 11 Canadian provinces and territories and 13 American states.
2025 also marked the first year of the race’s dedicated wheelchair category, an important step by Canada Running Series’ to reinforce inclusion at the start line. Won by paralympian Puisand Lai, the division celebrated pushrim and recreational wheelchair athletes with both cash and in-kind prizing for the top three male and female finishers.

“This race has always been one of the most exciting of the Series and today was no exception,” said Alan Brookes, Race Director, Canada Running Series. “It’s a true example of what’s possible when our city comes together through sport. With a beautifully sunny day along Toronto’s waterfront, we were joined by racers from across the continent and Toronto’s run crews turned out in full force to cheer them on. The energy was palpable with an exciting battle for both the men and women’s titles.”

The elite field brought thrilling performances to the front of the pack. Rwanda’s Salome Nyirarukundo, now based in Ottawa, captured her first Under Armour Toronto 10K title in 34:05 after two consecutive second-place finishes. Claiming the win in Under Armour’s Velociti Elite 2.0 shoes, Salome was followed closely by Port Elgin’s Rachel Hannah in 34:17 who fought courageously in the closing stages but wasn’t able to close the gap. Ottawa’s Teagen Robertson was a strong third in 34:52.

The men’s race was a battle to the wire as Thomas Nobbs surged ahead in the final kilometre to win in 29:35, edging out Ottawa Valley’s Lee Wesselius (29:39), while Toronto’s Alex Cyr claimed a close third (29:45). With thousands of runners braving strong headwinds along Toronto’s waterfront, the event was a powerful celebration of determination, athleticism and community to kick off Father’s Day weekend.

“We saw some remarkable depth and talent in this year’s elite field,” said Reid Coolsaet, two-time Olympian and Elite Athlete Program Manager, Canada Running Series. “The athletes came ready to race, with both the Men’s and Women’s competitions having been tightly contested so far this year, and today’s incredibly tight event did not disappoint. It’s exciting to see the momentum building in Canadian distance running, and events like the Under Armour Toronto 10K give these athletes a platform to shine in front of an energetic and supportive crowd.”

Major highlights beyond the run included eight high energy cheer sites supporting participants along the route and more than $38,000 raised for KidSport Canada, a national not-for-profit helping remove financial barriers to organized sport for children. This brings Under Armour’s cumulative fundraising for the organization to more than $500,000. Plus, a crowd favourite again this year, the Kids Race gave Toronto’s youngest racers, aged 2 to 10, a chance to take part in a fun 800m event led by Canada Running Series’ new official Mascot Rockie, to round out a morning of competition, inclusion, and community.

With the Under Armour Toronto 10K now complete, Canada Running Series heads west to Vancouver for next weekend’s Vancouver Half Marathon. The Series returns to Toronto in September for the Oasis ZooRun and concludes with the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon on October 18–19.

Official photos and video from the 2025 Under Armour Toronto 10K will be available at the following link: https://crs-media-centre.smugmug.com/CRS-IMAGES-STAFF-ACCESS/CRS-EVENT-IMAGES/n-RDRf6t/2025

-30-

ABOUT CANADA RUNNING SERIES (CRS)
Canada Running Series is the nation’s premier running circuit with 6 events, 4 in Toronto & 2 in Vancouver. It annually attracts over 60,000 participants and raises more than $3 million for some 200 mostly-local charities. The Series includes the World Athletics Elite Label TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, and the Athletics Canada National Marathon Championships. Since 1990, CRS has gained international recognition for innovation and organization. To learn more about CRS, visit https://canadarunningseries.com/.

Media Contact
Emma Hunt, Sutherland Corp.
media@canadarunningseries.com

Jun 10 2025
0

OVER 8,000 TO LACE UP ON THE LAKESHORE THIS FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND AT UNDER ARMOUR TORONTO 10K

By | Under Armour Toronto 10K | No Comments

TORONTO, ON (JUNE 11, 2025) – Canada Running Series (CRS) is thrilled to announce that the annual Under Armour Toronto 10K is returning this Saturday, June 14th along the scenic Toronto waterfront. As one of the signature events of Canada’s road running calendar, the race is set to bring over 8,000 participants ranging in age from 9 to 82, hailing from across 11 provinces and territories, 13 American states, and 25 countries.

Held over Father’s Day weekend, the event offers something for everyone; from amateur athletes, families and children, to elite athletes and adaptive racers. Starting on Lake Shore Boulevard West, west of Ontario Drive, the flat 10K course offers a breathtaking backdrop and accessible course.

The 2025 event introduces a new wheelchair category, with expanded eligibility for participants and prize money for the top three male and female finishers. In addition to this new category, Canada Running Series has again demonstrated their commitment to inclusivity in race design, incorporating a dedicated adaptive athlete start time, gender inclusive registration with a non-binary option, and a designated 800m Kids Race for children aged 2-10.

Many racers will be helping to raise $35,000 for KidSport through the event, a charity organization dedicated to removing financial barriers that prevent kids from playing sport through assistance for registration fees and sport equipment. Also supporting the KidSport cause is the race’s signature Impact Bib Program, which allows participants to opt out of receiving souvenir apparel and instead make a minimum $10 donation to KidSport, also reducing their environmental impact. Participants who participate in the Impact Bib Program will receive a special sticker on their race bib to recognize their commitment to reducing waste and supporting the community.

As an Athletics Canada Label event, this year’s race promises a fierce women’s showdown as Rwanda’s Salome Nyirarukundo returns with her sights set on the top spot after two consecutive runner-up finishes. She’ll face off against perennial podium finisher Rachel Hannah, third-place in Toronto the past two years, and Boston Marathon standout Kylie Raftis, who recently edged Hannah by just one second in a head-to-head finish, setting the stage for an electric race-within-a-race this weekend. On the men’s side, New Brunswick’s Lee Wesselius headlines the field, looking to improve on last year’s third-place finish. He’ll be challenged by former Canadian cross-country champion Connor Black and Vancouver’s Thomas Nobbs, who has been turning heads with his recent personal bests across distances.

With a meticulously planned course, picturesque scenery and new wheelchair category, the family-friendly Under Armour Toronto 10K is the race for everyone and promises to be an unforgettable experience. Get involved by using the hashtag #UAToronto10K to connect with the race community, joining the Under Armour Toronto 10K Event Page on Facebook, and following Canada Running Series on Instagram at @runcrs.

Details of the race day schedule are as follows:

Media Check-in & Availability
Media are invited to check in at the VIP tent in Race Central (Parking Lot 852 in Exhibition Place) starting at 7:00 a.m. Photo and interview opportunities will be available at the finish line. To request interviews, please contact media@canadarunningseries.com.

Race and Event Times

  • 6:30 a.m. Bag Check Opens
    (Race Central in Parking Lot 852 of Exhibition Place)
  • 7:25 a.m. Adaptive Race Starts
  • 7:30 a.m. Under Armour Toronto 10K Starts
  • 9:00 a.m. 10K Awards Ceremony
  • 9:45 a.m. Stretching Session at the Race Central Stage
  • 9:45 a.m. 800m Kids Race Starts
  • 9:45 a.m. 10K Finish Line Closes

The following area of Lakeshore Blvd. W will be closed temporarily to accommodate the Under Armour Toronto 10K on Saturday, June 14, 2024 between 4:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.:

â—Ź Lake Shore Blvd. West from Windermere Ave. to Bathurst St.

â—Ź Strachan Ave. from Lake Shore Blvd. West to Fleet St.

â—Ź Fort York Blvd. from Lake Shore Blvd. West to Fleet St.

-30-

ABOUT CANADA RUNNING SERIES (CRS)
Canada Running Series is the nation’s premier running circuit with 6 events, 4 in Toronto & 2 in Vancouver. It annually attracts over 60,000 participants and raises more than $3 million for some 200 mostly-local charities. The Series includes the World Athletics Elite Label TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, and the Athletics Canada National Marathon Championships. Since 1990, CRS has gained international recognition for innovation and organization. To learn more about CRS, visit https://canadarunningseries.com/.

MEDIA CONTACT
Emma Hunt, Sutherland Corp.
media@canadarunningseries.com
416-708-9612

May 28 2025
0

Breaking Barriers: Canada Running Series Adds Wheelchair Division to Major Races

By | Under Armour Toronto 10K | No Comments

Breaking Barriers: Canada Running Series Adds Wheelchair Division to Major Races 

Canada Running Series (CRS) has taken a major step forward in championing inclusivity and accessibility in road racing by introducing a wheelchair division to three of its marquee events: the Vancouver Half Marathon, the Under Armour Toronto 10K, and the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon. This expansion underscores CRS’s commitment to ensuring that athletes of all abilities have equal opportunity to participate and compete. By making these races more accessible, CRS is helping to create a more inclusive environment where adaptive athletes can thrive alongside their able-bodied peers.

The addition of the wheelchair division is not just a change in format—it’s a meaningful opportunity for connection, achievement, and growth within the running community. Longtime CRS wheelchair racer and adaptive racing consultant Mike Greer shared, “Being part of an Adaptive Racing community, I love to welcome athletes who are new to the sport or are transitioning from being an able-bodied runner to one of the many adaptive racing disciplines and help them on their journey. The running community as a whole is very supportive of athletes with disabilities, and makes it one of the main reasons I love road racing.” Greer’s experience highlights the welcoming nature of the organization to adaptive athletes and the essential role it plays in fostering a strong, united community.  

Beyond the wheelchair division, these races also offer an Athletes with a Disability (AWD) program to support the participation of athletes with varying needs. The program offers a dedicated space at the race venue for AWD participants, a free GUIDE bib program, and volunteers to support athletes’ journey to the start line and post-race experience. The AWD program allows further participation and collaboration with organizations like Achilles Canada, a non-profit that provides people with various disabilities an opportunity to benefit from the physical, psychological, and community benefits of running. “We are thrilled to see Canada Running Series doing what they can to make all their races accessible and inclusive to all athletes with disability including the new wheelchair division for this year’s Under Armour Toronto 10K” noted Brian McLean, president of Achilles Canada.  

Paralympian Josh Cassidy has raced with the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon for the past three years, supporting the event as it grows its adaptive racing program. Josh reflected on the significance of this development: “For years I lived in Toronto, and watched the runners go by my condo every year during the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon. It has been so great to finally have a wheelchair division. It has been such a fun and special experience these last few years to race on the streets of the city I love, seeing familiar faces… an experience that is accessible to everyone!” As CRS continues to break down barriers in the sport, stories like Greer’s and Cassidy’s demonstrate the transformative power of inclusive racing—where every athlete, regardless of ability, has the chance to feel the joy of the finish line. 

Register for the Under Armour Toronto 10K Register for the Vancouver Half Marathon Register for the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon
Feb 04 2025
0

Canada Running Series Welcomes Columbia Sportswear as Official Sponsor of the Beneva Spring Run-Off

By | Spring Run-Off | No Comments

Toronto, ON (Feb. 4, 2025) – Canada Running Series is proud to announce that Columbia has joined our team as the official footwear & apparel sponsor of the annual series opener, the Beneva Spring Run-Off, to be held in High Park in Toronto on April 5th, 2025.

“We are excited to welcome Columbia to the fold; a trusted brand that has been creating innovative footwear and apparel for outdoor enthusiasts since 1938,” said Charlotte Brookes, National Event Director at Canada Running Series. Columbia will be supporting the event’s training run, providing the participant souvenir item, hosting race kit pickup and activating on race day.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of the Canada Running Series, and the Beneva Spring Run-Off” said Dave BrulĂ© Columbia Sportswear Canada’s VP & General Manager – “Toronto is home to a vibrant community of runners that share our passion for the outdoors.  We are looking forward to race day and creating a memorable experience for all”.

Stay tuned for more exciting announcements as more details become available in the coming weeks.

Registration for the Beneva Spring Run-Off is open and is trending towards an early sell-out. The event will take place in Toronto’s High Park on April 5th, 2025.

Visit www.springrunoff.ca for more information and to register.

Follow Columbia Sportswear on social:

Website: https://www.columbiasportswear.ca/

Instagram: @columbiasportswear_ca

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/columbiacanada

 

-30- 

 

Oct 10 2024
0

Canada Running Series Welcomes Beneva as Official Title Partner of the Spring Run-Off

By | Spring Run-Off | No Comments

Toronto, ON (October 10, 2024) – Canada Running Series is proud to announce that Beneva has joined the team as the title sponsor of the annual series opener, now called Beneva Spring Run-Off, held in Toronto in High Park every April.  

The team at Canada Running Series welcomes Beneva aboard as it adds another running event to its growing list of partnerships – Beneva Mississauga Marathon and Beneva Montreal Marathon to name two. Beneva is an organization that makes participants’ interests a priority, is enthusiastic when it comes to activating its brand and seeks to provide the best possible experience at the events it’s involved in.

CRS National Event Director, Charlotte Brookes, comments,  

We’re delighted that Beneva is expanding their involvement in running in Canada and that they’ve chosen the Spring Run-Off, the longest continuously held road race in Toronto, to be part of their featured events. Beneva has done such an amazing job of activating and enhancing the events they are involved with by creating whole zones to relax after a great run or walk, we can’t wait to see what they do next at Spring Run-Off!  This event is one of my favourites in our series – it’s Opening Day and the start of a new, exciting season ahead. This year it will be an extra-special launch forward into a 2025 of run, fitness and fun.

EVP Talent, Culture and Communication, Martin Robert, comments, 

We are very pleased and excited about this new partnership with Canada Running Series! This collaboration strengthens our commitment to promoting health and well-being and increases the reach of our brand across the country. By supporting initiatives like these, we continue to show that caring for our clients and members is at the heart of everything we do. Together, we’re taking steps towards a healthier, more active community.  

Stay tuned for more exciting announcements as more details become available in the coming months. 

— 

Registration for the Beneva Spring Run-Off will open Tuesday, October 15th, 2024, at 12:00 PM and the event will take place in Toronto’s High Park on April 5th, 2025.  

Visit www.springrunoff.ca for more information and to register.  

— 

For more Canada Running Series news, results, photos, and events, visit  

www.CanadaRunningSeries.com  

Also, check out @runCRS on your favourite social media sites! 

 

-30- 

 

About Canada Running Series (CRS) 

Canada Running Series is the nation’s premier running circuit with 6 events, 4 in Toronto and 2 in Vancouver. It annually attracts over 60,000 participants and raises more than $5 million for some 300 Canadian and local charities. The Spring Run-Off is the first Toronto race of the Series, which concludes with the World Athletics Elite Label TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, and the Athletics Canada National Marathon Championships. Since 1999, CRS has gained international recognition for innovation and organization. To learn more about CRS, visit https://canadarunningseries.com/. 

 

About Beneva 

Created by the coming together of La Capitale and SSQ Insurance, Beneva is the largest insurance mutual in Canada with more than 3.5 million members and customers. Beneva employs over 5,500 dedicated employees: people looking out for people. Its human approach is rooted in mutualist values that are shared by its employees. With $25.2 billion in assets, Beneva positions itself as a major player in the insurance and financial services industry. Its head office is located in Quebec City. For more information, please consult beneva.ca.  

 

Media Contact, CRS: 

Damien Hope

damien@canadarunningseries.com 

416-944-2765 x 508

Media Contact, Beneva: 

Media Relations 

1-866-332-3806 

media@beneva.ca 

Jun 12 2024
0

CANADA RUNNING SERIES TO HOST UNDER ARMOUR TORONTO 10K ALONG BEAUTIFUL LAKESHORE THIS WEEKEND

By | Under Armour Toronto 10K | No Comments

CANADA RUNNING SERIES TO HOST UNDER ARMOUR TORONTO 10K ALONG BEAUTIFUL LAKESHORE THIS WEEKEND

TORONTO, ON (JUNE 12, 2024) – Canada Running Series (CRS) is excited to announce that the annual Under Armour Toronto 10K will take place on Saturday, June 15th along the scenic Toronto Lakeshore, one of the signature events of Canada’s road running calendar. 

The Toronto waterfront is the perfect backdrop for this Father’s Day weekend event, offering an inspired experience for amateur and competitive runners, walkers and adaptive racers alike. A sold out crowd of over 7,500 participants ages 8 through 80 will toe the start line on Lakeshore Boulevard from Ellis Avenue to Remembrance Drive and back. They will represent 11 Canadian provinces and territories, 18 American states and 20 countries. 

What makes the Under Armour Toronto 10K unique is its expert course layout and event planning, designed by feedback from the local Toronto running community and run clubs. Many of those clubs will be supporting participants across eight cheer sites hosted by Black Runners of the GTA, Frontrunners, Chix Run the Six, We Run North York, Rogue Runners, Culture, Kardia and Midnight Runners. Cheers will be even louder for those running to raise $35,000 for KidSport Canada, a not-for-profit organization that helps remove financial barriers that prevent kids from playing sport by providing assistance for registration fees and sport equipment to children aged 18 and under.

This year’s Under Armour Toronto 10K race will also serve as the Canadian Masters Athletics (CMA) 10K Championships, with medals for the top 3 male and female CMA finishers. Up front, it promises a thrilling men’s race with British Columbia’s Andrew Davies taking on Ontario’s Lee Wesselius, Phil Parrot-Migas and Kyle Grieve, plus JP Flavin from Michigan’s Hansons Project, all of whom are hovering at or below 29-minute personal bests for the 10K distance.  The women’s contest will be no less exciting with all 3 of last year’s top finishers returning to battle it out again: defending champion Erin Mawhinney from Hamillton, Ottawa’s Salome Nyirarukundo, and Huron County’s Rachel Hannah.   

Whether it’s your first race, or you’re a racing veteran, the Under Armour Toronto 10K offers a beautiful, scenic, and accessible course. Much more than just a race, it underscores Canada Running Series’ commitment to diversity, inclusion and sustainability. There will be a dedicated Adaptive Athlete start at 7:25 a.m. for wheelchair participants before the mass start at 7:30 a.m., which will include a non-binary category as well as male and female gender choices. There will also be a separate 800m Kids Race for children aged 2-10, and new this year is the Green Bib program where participants choose not to receive a t-shirt and finishers’ medal in return for a portion of their entry fee being donated to a sustainability charity.

With a beautiful course and picturesque scenery, the Under Armour Toronto 10K is the event for everyone and promises to be an unforgettable experience. 

 

Details of the race day schedule are as follows:

Media Check-in & Availability

Located at the VIP tent in “Race Central” (Parking Lot 852 in Exhibition Place)

Open as of 6:50 a.m. 

Photos and brief interviews are available at the finish line for the media. If you are interested in setting up an interview, please email media@canadarunningseries.com.

 

Race and Event Times

7:25 a.m. 10K Adaptive Athlete Start 

(Start Line located on Lake Shore Blvd. W, west of Ontario Dr.)

7:30 a.m. 10K start 

(Start line located on Lake Shore Blvd. W, west of Ontario Dr.)

8:45 a.m.         Podium ceremony announcing race winners and top fundraisers 

(Main stage located in Race Central, Parking Lot 852 in Exhibition Place )

9:10 a.m. 10K final finish 

(Finish line located on Lake Shore Blvd. W, west of Newfoundland Rd.)

9:45 a.m. Kids Race start 

(Start line located on Lake Shore Blvd. W, west of Ontario Dr.)

The following area of Lakeshore Blvd. W will be closed temporarily to accommodate the Under Armour Toronto 10K on Saturday, June 15, 2024 between 4:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.:

  • Lake Shore Blvd. West from Windermere Ave. to Bathurst St.
  • Strachan Ave. from Lake Shore Blvd. West to Fleet St.
  • Fort York Blvd. from Lake Shore Blvd. West to Fleet St.

-30- 

ABOUT CANADA RUNNING SERIES (CRS) 

Canada Running Series is the nation’s premier running circuit with 7 events, 4 in Toronto, 2 in Vancouver and 1 in Montreal. It annually attracts over 70,000 participants and raises more than $6 million for some 320 Canadian and local charities. The Under Armour Toronto 10K is the second Toronto race of the Series, which concludes with the World Athletics Elite Label TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, and the Athletics Canada National Marathon Championships. Since 1999, CRS has gained international recognition for innovation and organization. To learn more about CRS, visit https://canadarunningseries.com/.

 

Media Contact

Emma Hunt, Sutherland Corp. 

media@canadarunningseries.com

416-708-9612

Jun 10 2024
0

Une nouvelle ère pour le 21K de Montréal avec Courons MTL/A New Era for the 21K de Montréal with Courons MTL

By | 21k de Montreal | No Comments

Montréal, le 10 juin 2024 – Une nouvelle ère pour le 21K de Montréal avec Courons MTL

C’est avec enthousiasme que Canada Running Series annonce la cession du prestigieux 21K de MontrĂ©al Ă  Courons MTL, producteur du Marathon Beneva de MontrĂ©al. Cette passation symbolise bien plus qu’une transaction : elle marque le dĂ©but d’une nouvelle ère pour cet Ă©vĂ©nement phare de la course Ă  pied au Canada.

Les familles Brookes et Arsenault partagent depuis plusieurs dĂ©cennies un riche hĂ©ritage dans la promotion et le dĂ©veloppement de la course Ă  pied sur route, tant au niveau national qu’international. 

Alan Brookes, figure emblématique de la course à pied au Canada, a joué un rôle déterminant dans la réorganisation du Marathon de Toronto en tant que co-directeur de course entre 1986 et 1988. En 1990, il se lance dans une aventure qui allait devenir la Canada Running Series. Sous sa direction, la série est devenue le circuit de course sur route le plus prestigieux du Canada. 

Le 21K de Montréal, initialement introduit dans le cadre du Canada Running Series, a su évoluer, passant d’un 10K en 1999 à un demi-marathon en 2003 accompagné de courses de 5K et 10K, reflétant ainsi le dynamisme et la croissance de la communauté de coureurs. 

Pour sa part, le Marathon de MontrĂ©al est le premier marathon d’importance de calibre international Ă  avoir vu le jour au pays et plus grand Ă©vĂ©nement de course Ă  pied au QuĂ©bec depuis 45 ans. Il rassemble les adeptes de tous les niveaux de performance, ainsi que le public, Ă  la recherche d’une expĂ©rience urbaine mĂ©morable en mettant en scène MontrĂ©al dans toute sa beautĂ© et sa diversitĂ©. Depuis novembre 2020, l’évĂ©nement est produit par Courons MTL, sous l’Ă©gide et l’expertise du groupe produisant Ă©galement les Grands Prix Cyclistes de QuĂ©bec et de MontrĂ©al, et les Championnats du Monde Route UCI qui auront lieu Ă  MontrĂ©al en 2026. 

« Notre expertise dans la production d’événements majeurs internationaux et notre engagement dans le monde de la course, qui date de 1979, sont les fondements sur lesquels nous bâtirons le futur du 21K de Montréal, » affirme Sébastien Arsenault, président-directeur général, Courons MTL. Pour en savoir plus sur l’histoire de l’organisation.

En confiant les rĂŞnes Ă  Courons MTL, l’Ă©vĂ©nement est promis Ă  un avenir brillant.

« C’est un privilège pour notre organisation de prendre le flambeau et ainsi assurer la pérennité de ce précieux événement pour la communauté de course montréalaise, ajoute Sébastien Arsenault. Notre engagement envers les coureurs et coureuses sera ainsi rehaussé puisque nous pouvons désormais leur proposer des objectifs autant en début qu’en fin de saison, puis les accompagner tout au long de leur préparation. »

« Ce passage de témoin est très symbolique pour nous. Il représente non seulement la continuité de nos efforts, mais aussi une expansion vers de nouvelles possibilités pour le 21K de Montréal, » mentionne Charlotte Brookes, directrice de course, Canadian Running Series.

L’Ă©quipe de Canada Running Series restera impliquĂ©e le temps nĂ©cessaire afin d’assurer une transition harmonieuse, tout en continuant de dĂ©velopper ses autres Ă©vĂ©nements Ă  Toronto et Vancouver. Ce changement stratĂ©gique permettra une concentration accrue sur des initiatives majeures comme le TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon. 

Cette nouvelle configuration est une promesse d’innovation et de croissance pour la scène de la course Ă  pied au QuĂ©bec, bĂ©nĂ©ficiant ainsi Ă  l’ensemble de la communautĂ© des coureurs au Canada. 

Pour plus d’informations et suivre les dĂ©veloppements Ă  venir, veuillez consulter. 

————————————————————————————————————————

Montreal, June 10, 2024 – A New Era for the 21K de Montréal with Courons MTL

It is with great enthusiasm that Canada Running Series announces the transfer of the prestigious 21K de Montréal to Courons MTL, the producer of the Marathon Beneva de Montréal. This transition signifies much more than a transaction: it marks the beginning of a new era for this flagship running event in Canada.

The Brookes and Arsenault families have shared a rich heritage in promoting and developing road running, both nationally and internationally, for several decades.

Alan Brookes, a prominent figure in Canadian running, played a crucial role in the reorganization of the Toronto Marathon as co-race director between 1986 and 1988. In 1990, he embarked on an adventure that would become the Canada Running Series. Under his leadership, the series became Canada’s most prestigious road racing circuit.

The 21K de Montréal, initially introduced as part of the Canada Running Series, has evolved from a 10K in 1999 to a half marathon in 2003, accompanied by 5K and 10K races, reflecting the dynamism and growth of the running community.

The Montreal Marathon is the first major international-caliber marathon in Canada and has been Quebec’s largest running event for 45 years. It brings together enthusiasts of all performance levels, as well as the public, seeking a memorable urban experience, showcasing Montreal in all its beauty and diversity. Since November 2020, the event has been produced by Courons MTL, under the guidance and expertise of the group also producing the Grands Prix Cyclistes de QuĂ©bec and de MontrĂ©al, and the UCI Road World Championships to be held in Montreal in 2026.

“Our expertise in producing major international events and our commitment to the running world, dating back to 1979, are the foundations on which we will build the future of the 21K de MontrĂ©al,” says SĂ©bastien Arsenault, CEO of Courons MTL. For more information about the organization’s history click here.

By entrusting the reins to Courons MTL, the event is promised a bright future.

“It is a privilege for our organization to take up the torch and thus ensure the continuity of this valuable event for the Montreal running community,” adds SĂ©bastien Arsenault. “Our commitment to runners will be enhanced as we can now offer them goals both at the start and end of the season, and support them throughout their preparation.”

“This handover is very symbolic for us. It represents not only the continuity of our efforts but also an expansion towards new possibilities for the 21K de MontrĂ©al,” says Charlotte Brookes, Race Director of Canada Running Series.

The Canada Running Series team will remain involved as long as necessary to ensure a smooth transition while continuing to develop its other events in Toronto and Vancouver. This strategic change will allow for increased focus on major initiatives such as the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon.

This new configuration promises innovation and growth for the running scene in Quebec, benefiting the entire running community in Canada.

For more information and to follow upcoming developments, please click here.

Apr 07 2024
0

Opening Day of the 2024 Running Season a HUGE Success! Spring Run-Off 8K & 5K in High Park – Post Race Report

By | Elite Athletes, General, Spring Run-Off | No Comments

TORONTO, April 6, 2024 – As Toronto’s oldest race still on the roads, it is an iconic beacon that Spring is finally here in the city. A sold-out crowd of 3,800 participated in today’s 47th annual Spring Run-Off in High Park in the 8K, 5K and 800m kids race, all steeped in tradition. As always, runners were piped to the Start Line, and enjoyed fresh maple syrup from Madawaska Maple products as prizing, and a delicious post-race pancake breakfast served up by Ubuntu Community Collective.

The race also featured the “Kill The Hill challenge” a race within a race. Just before participants crossed the finish line they flew up the final 365m of Spring Road Hill with the champions being proclaimed “Heroes of the Hill” for 2024! For the 2nd consecutive year, participants will also be going the distance to raise a much needed $42,000.00 for the Parkdale Community Foodbank that supports more than 6,000 families every month across the Downtown and West End.

Mayor Olivia Chow and Deputy Mayor Mike Colle joined us today for Official Race Start duties, and then jumped in to participate in the 5K and 8K races respectively.

Our 8K champions:

Jeremy Coughler (23:40)
Alexandra Lucki (27:23)

Our 5K Champions:

Jacob Zerko (15:58)
Mikayla Ryan (18:34)

This year’s Finishers’ medals are arguably the best-ever, by CRS designer Inge Johnson featuring the Maple Leaf Garden near Grenadier Pond with nature all around, with the theme continued in this year’s participant t-shirts, created by local artist Mark Serrano whose focus is on The Spring Run-Off and the nature and beauty within the park that we pass by. For more information, visit: https://canadarunningseries.com/spring-run-off/

Media Contact:
Bonnie Taylor
media@canadarunningseries.com
(647) 401-0974

About Canada Running Series

Canada Running Series is Canada’s premier road race series, offering seven annual events nationwide. Since 2017, CRS’s flagship event, the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, has served as the Athletics Canada National Marathon Championship race and has doubled as the Olympic trials. In 2023, CRS raised over $3.5 million for over 200 local charities through the Charity Challenge.

Using innovation and organization as guiding principles, Canada Running Series stages great experiences for runners of all levels, from Canadian Olympians to recreational and charity runners. With a mission of “building community through the sport of running,” CRS is committed to making sport part of sustainable communities and the city-building process.

Apr 01 2024
0

Media Advisory: Mayor Olivia Chow and Ehab El Sandali return to the Spring Run-Off 8K & 5K in High Park this weekend: it’s Opening Day for Canada Running Series in 2024!

By | Elite Athletes, General, Spring Run-Off | No Comments

TORONTO, April 1, 2024 – It’s Opening Day for running in Toronto this weekend featuring the return of Mayor Olivia Chow and Ehab El Sandali to the Spring Run-Off in beautiful High Park, the first race in 2024 for Canada Running Series. As Toronto’s oldest race still on the roads, it is an iconic beacon that Spring is finally here in the city. A sold-out crowd of 3,800 will participate in the 8K, 5K and 800m kids race, all steeped in tradition.  As always, piper Dave McGonigal will lead runners to the Start Lines of this 47th edition, there will be fresh maple syrup from Madawaska Maple products as prizing, and a delicious post-race pancake breakfast served up by Ubuntu Community Collective.

Back again, the “Kill The Hill challenge” is a race within a race. Just before participants cross the finish line they will fly up the final 365m of Spring Road Hill with the champions being proclaimed “Heroes of the Hill” for 2024! For the 2nd consecutive year, participants will also be going the distance to raise a much needed $35,000 for the Parkdale Community Foodbank that supports more than 6,000 families every month across the Downtown and West End.

Mayor Chow and Ehab El Sandali will return to challenge the hills of Toronto’s most scenic park after a 10-year hiatus. In 2014, they both competed in the Spring Run-Off 5K, Ehab crossing the finish line first in 16:39 with then “Olivia Chow” an impressive 701st of 1,346 participants. What a difference a decade makes! Toronto native Ehab went on to win the 5K again in 2015 and place 2nd in the 8K in 2016. A stellar 6-year career at Iona College followed, where he led his team to 6 NCAA Conference cross-country championships. He has represented Canada twice, turned professional with the Puma Elite team based in North Carolina in late 2022, and has lowered his 5K best time to 13:25 and 10,000m to 28:50.  And of course, “Olivia Chow” has become mayor of Canada’s largest city, showing leadership in many ways throughout our country and community, and championing a healthy city for its people. 

The women’s 8K race will offer an exciting three-way challenge between Erin Mawhinney, the champion at last year’s Under Armour Toronto 10K,  Toronto’s Alex Lucki who was 2nd at the 2022 Spring Run-Off after a strong cross-country career at the University of Maryland, and the experienced Laura Desjardins who was 3rd at Spring Run-Off 2023, 2nd at the race in 2018; and champion at last year’s 21K de Montreal which earned her a place on Canada’s national team to the NACAC Half Marathon. All three raced each other in the Athletics Canada 10K Championships in Ottawa last May with Mawhinney placing 9th overall, Lucki 12th and Desjardins 13th.

The men’s 8K race promises to be a tasty battle between Ehab and Thamesford’s Jeremy Coughler, the defending champion who has owned the race for the past 2 years.  Dundas’ Rob Kanko, who was 2nd last year, will also be on the Start Line plus strong up-and-coming talents Max Turek and Mitch Ubene. Turek was the 2022 U-Sports cross-country national champion and placed 8th at the Athletics Canada National Cross last November with Coughler 10th, Kanko 13th and Ubene 16th.

For those not fortunate to have grabbed a place on one of the start lines, everyone is invited to come out and cheer along with more than a dozen Toronto run crews at six official cheer sites around the picturesque courses. The run crew representation further reinforces Canada Running Series’ commitment to diversity and inclusion at the events and in the city, including Black Runners of the GTA, Chix Run the Six, Frontrunners, Pride TO, Parkdale Road Runners, High Park Rogue Runners, Kardia and RUNTOBEER. It’s a fun morning with great weather promised in a good cause; Spring has arrived in our city and Toronto will put its best foot forward. Together.

What: Spring Run-Off

Where: High Park, Toronto, ON

When: Saturday April 6, 2024

  • 10:00 a.m. 8K Race Starts
  • 11:15 a.m.5K Race Starts
  • 11:45 a.m. Kids Race Starts

Who: Canada Running Series Race Director, Alan Brookes, will be available for interviews. Interviews with select athletes may also be available upon request.

Where to park:

Please note that parking is not available within High Park on race day and the park is closed to vehicles on the weekends. Limited parking is available on side streets outside the park. For a list of Green P parking lots in the area, visit http://parking.greenp.com.

Feb 12 2024
0

Toronto’s The Running Physio Announces Partnership with Canada Running Series for 2024 Season

By | General, Oasis ZooRun, Spring Run-Off, TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Toronto Waterfront 10K | No Comments

Ontario’s premier rehabilitation centre for runners will help guide athletes from their training plan to the finish line for the Spring Run-Off, Under Armour Toronto 10K, Oasis ZooRun, and the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon

TORONTO, CAN (February 12, 2024) – The Running Physio, Toronto’s one-spot-shop for runners looking to recover from injury or train for a race, will be partnering with the Canada Running Series (CRS) for the 2024 editions of the Spring Run-Off, Under Armour Toronto 10K, Oasis ZooRun and the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon. The clinic – operating since 2016 – has treated over 6000 runners since its inception and provides physiotherapy, registered massage therapy, running analysis and customized training programs to runners of all levels.

The Running Physio will be providing training recommendations, mobility and stability exercises, and run form tips to participants leading up to each race. Their team will also be available post-race to provide hands-on therapy to athletes, and for runners attending the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, they will be providing free run form analysis and massage during Expo hours. With over 50% of runners experiencing an injury during their running careers, having The Running Physio available at each race is a perfect partnership.

“We couldn’t be more excited to have The Running Physio’s support at our Toronto events in 2024,” said CRS National Event Director Charlotte Brookes. “As a past client of the Running Physio during my running journey, I know first hand how important their services and support are to reaching your full running potential. We are thrilled to see what we can build together to elevate the event experience this year.”

With an increasing number of runners looking for specific services available to help guide them through injury, The Running Physio has seen more and more people tired of hearing “just stop running” from their physician. With a deep-rooted philosophy that “anyone can run”, the clinic emphasizes teaching clients how to listen to their bodies to push harder when they can, and pull back when they are teetering on trouble. 

Boston Marathoner and Ironman athlete Lauren Roberts is a Physiotherapist and Owner of the clinic. “With over 50% of runners experiencing injury during their running career, we created our business to be able to keep people moving – regardless of their abilities or goals. Whether you are looking for advice on shoewear or to set a new Waterfront Marathon PB, we can help you. It’s a really fun environment – our team really loves working with motivated patients.” 

Registration is now open for the 2024 season. The Spring Run-Off is April 6th in High Park, the Under Armour Toronto 10K is June 15th, the Oasis ZooRun September 14, and the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon October 20. 

For more information on The Running Physio, please visit www.therunningphysio.ca. 

For more information on Canada Running Series events, please visit www.canadarunningseries.com.

 

For press inquiries please contact: 

Canada Running Series: Damien Hope |damien@canadarunningseries.com | 416-944-2765 x508

The Running Physio: Lauren Roberts| lauren@therunningphysio.ca

###

About Canada Running Series

Canada Running Series is Canada’s premier road race series, offering seven annual events nationwide. Since 2017, CRS’s flagship event, the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, has served as the Athletics Canada National Marathon Championship race and has doubled as the Olympic trials. In 2023, CRS raised over $3.5 million for over 200 local charities through the Charity Challenge.

Using innovation and organization as guiding principles, Canada Running Series stages great experiences for runners of all levels, from Canadian Olympians to recreational and charity runners. With a mission of “building community through the sport of running,” CRS is committed to making sport part of sustainable communities and the city-building process.

About The Running Physio 

The Running Physio is a well-established Physiotherapy clinic in Toronto providing Physiotherapy, Running Analysis, Run Coaching and RMT services for people who love to move. The clinic takes pride in maintaining a reputation for effectively treating runners of all levels and abilities with precision and confidence. With personable and highly-trained staff, high-end equipment and private rooms, The Running Physio has treated over 6000 runners in Toronto and the GTA since 2016.

Physiotherapist and Clinic Owner Lauren Roberts grew tired of hearing “I tried physio before but…it didn’t really help”. She set out to create a clinic with a mission to develop a safe space where clients are listened to and provided with a step-by-step plan to get better and get back to the things that make them happy. As a female-run, family friendly clinic with a continuous drive to do things better, The Running Physio has challenged the traditional physiotherapy service industry in a continuous pursuit to connect with people and help them achieve their goals.

Â