Dec 15 2015
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2015 Canada Running Series One for the Books. By Paul Gains

By | General | No Comments

TORONTO December 15th 2015. The 2015 Canada Running Series is now behind us and will be remembered, once again, for providing runners of all abilities, from novice to Olympians, the chance to lace up, strip down and challenge themselves over certified accurate and fully supported courses.

The Modo Vancouver Spring Run Off 8k (March 22nd) set the tone for perhaps the most competitive series ever with Canadian internationals Kelly Wiebe (the winner in 23:42), Geoff Martinson and Chris Winter occupying the first three places while Canadian marathon record holder Lanni Marchant fought off a challenge from hometown favourite Rachel Cliff to win the women’s race in 26:43.

Marchant would go on to win the Toronto Yonge Street 10k, the Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon and finish 5th overall (and first Canadian) in the Series climax, the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. The event also doubled as the Athletics Canada National Championships.

Marchant’s finishing time of 2:28:09 was her second fastest time ever, missing her national record by merely nine seconds. Nonetheless, she was all smiles as she was rewarded with an Olympic qualifying mark.

The London, Ontario native’s consistency earned her perfect points in a year when no fewer than 131 runners scored points and she also claimed the $5,000 overall CRS prize. Two years ago she was also the CRS overall champion. Asked what she considers the highlight of 2015 she responds quickly.

“Qualifying for Rio in two events,” says the 31 year old. “The CRS races are kind of the bread and butter for Canadian runners; they put on the top events you are going to run in Canada, outside Ottawa Race Weekend.  (Race Director) Alan (Brookes) makes sure to put on great races and invites us out. He invited me up to Toronto Yonge St 10k where at the time it was my fastest 10k ever and it kind of gave me the confidence to run on the track.

“Winning the Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon told me my fitness was still there for the longer stuff even though in the summer I had been focused on the shorter distances.  I knew I was going to be able to roll right into a good marathon in the fall.”

The $5,000 overall prize will come in handy as she prepares to represent Canada in either, perhaps both, the 10,000m and the marathon in Rio next summer.

“I was fortunate enough to get carded this year but I won’t get the enhanced funding that other athletes get that help them go to training camps and physiotherapy and stuff like that,” she declares. “So having that boost of money from CRS, well, it’s going to get put to good use this year. Definitely having that extra $5,000 in my pocket will cover Kenya and one other training camp.”

With the 2015 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon earning IAAF Gold Label status for the first time, the international field was once again exceptional. Racing fans in over 100 countries watched the live stream on the STWM.ca website with the first four men finishing within 38 seconds of one another.

Canada’s Eric Gillis placed 7th in 2:11:31 achieving what he had come for – the Olympic qualifying standard. Should he be named to the 2016 Olympic team he would join Lea Pells, Paul Williams and Kevin Sullivan as the only Canadian distance runners to make three Olympic teams.

Gillis, who comes from Antigonish, Nova Scotia but is a long time resident of Guelph, Ontario, also had an incredible season.

Victories at Harry’s Spring Run Off 8k, Toronto Yonge Street 10k and the Banque Scotia 21k de Montreal earned him enough points, together with his Canadian championship marathon title, for the overall CRS prize for the second consecutive year.

“Definitely (the highlight) was getting the Olympic marathon standard in Toronto,” he reveals. “Setting that goal of being around the same time I had run there before and be comfortably under the standard. Setting that goal and achieving it in Toronto was special.

“The (other CRS races) were great setup races (to get the standard). I was hoping to get the standard in the spring nice and early but after a couple of injuries in the buildup for Rotterdam I didn’t feel confident going into that. I didn’t run the marathon and it was so great to have those CRS races in the spring to re-focus myself at home. It was a good ‘plan B’ and it gave me a good vibe going into the summer and in the buildup to Toronto.”

While Marchant and Gillis achieved Olympic standards, the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon also saw Leslie Sexton smash her personal best with a solid performance of 2:33:20. At 28 she is poised to join a growing list of elite Canadian women thanks in no small part to the Canada Running Series.

Another leading light was Rachel Hannah, the 2014 CRS overall champion who elected to run the Pan Am Games marathon, an event for which members of the Canada Running Series staff provided on-site support. She was rewarded with the bronze medal.

Then at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront she entered the half marathon distance finishing with a time of 72:25, good enough to earn a place on Canada’s team for the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships in Cardiff in March. Both Canada Running Series and Ottawa Race Weekend are contributing finances to send that team to Cardiff.

Not to be outdone, there was a terrific competition for the CRS Masters’ titles with Vancouver’s Stan Jang earning the victory with 83 points while Lioudmila Kortchaguina, a familiar name to race fans, collected 135 points to win the women’s Masters’ title. They each collected $1,000 prize money for the overall titles.

“Congratulations to Lanni, Eric, Stan, Lioudmila, and all of the runners who crossed the finish lines of CRS 2015,” says Alan Brookes. “We saw so many great races, so many great achievements, so many great stories. So many runners, of all shapes and sizes, all abilities, came together to create a wonderful season. We’re already excited for 2016, which will be a massive year at home with 8 more CRS events to celebrate, plus Cardiff and Rio!”

Almost 60,000 runners participated in the 2015 Series and together raised $5.8 million for local charities. No doubt the numbers will continue to grow as the Series heads into 2016.

For complete Canada Running Series 2015 standings see http://www.canadarunningseries.com/crs/crsRESULT.htm

Registration for Canada Running Series 2016, including “Combo Packs”, is now open at http://www.canadarunningseries.com/crs/index.htm

-30-

Dec 04 2015
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Thriving Through the Winter Months

By | Community Leaders, General, Modo Spring Run-Off 8k | No Comments

Well the Race Season is pretty much wrapped up and Winter is definitely here. It can be tough to stay motivated at this time of the year, so we’ve turned to one of Canada’s top runners, Chris Winter, for his tips on Winter training!

Winters on the West Coast are cold, dark, and damp. It is dark when you leave for work in the morning and it is dark when you get home. It rains continuously. These are less than inspiring conditions to get you out the door for your workout. So how do you stay motivated through the Winter months? Here are 4 tips:

  1. Set Goals. (This is important!) It’s much more difficult to lace up your shoes on those less than motivating days without a purpose. Challenge yourself to run a new distance, new race, or a PB. Once you’ve set your goal, write it down somewhere where you’ll see it every day. I like to set a daily alarm on my phone that reminds me of my goal.
  2. Workout in the morning. (If you are simply not a morning person you can ignore this.) During the Winter months I find the mornings are the best time to train. Especially around the Holidays there is always something looking to derail your training. Whether it is an office lunch or party or family “obligations”, if you put your training off until the evening there’s a good chance you’ll have to sacrifice one for the other. Also, getting your training done in the morning means you can “earn the party” later in the day without feeling too guilty.
  3. Find a training partner. This can be tough as everyone has different schedules that can be tough to align but, even if you can only meet 1-2 times a week, it can help break up the monotony of training alone and keep you honest on those couple of days.
  4. Go inside. Some days it just plain sucks to run outdoors. Depending on the weather it might even be dangerous. On those days where the streets are flooded, it’s howling a gale out there, or there’s a fresh layer of snow/ice on the ground, opt to do your workout inside. Try a form of cross training you haven’t done in a while and/or do the strength work that you may normally neglect on the sunnier days. The Winter can be a great time to build strength and flexibility that will pay off in the Spring and Summer months of racing.

With the Winter Solstice quickly approaching on December 22nd we can all look forward to the days getting longer again and then it’ll be Spring before you know it. In the meantime, stay true to your goals and when the first races come around your results will reflect the hard work you put in and you’ll be happy you did so.

With much motivation!

Chris

Looking for a goal race in the Spring? Check out the Modo 8k on March 20!

12-04-winter-profile

 

Chris, a New Balance athlete, is an elite middle distance runner based out of Vancouver. He’s competed on numerous national teams, including representing Canada at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Chris ran both the Modo 8k and Eastside 10k this last year. In 2014 he was the Canadian Cross Country Champion and he’s currently aiming for a spot on the Canadian Olympic Team to race the 3000m Steeplechase in Rio! You can follow his journey through the blog Chasing Rio 2016.
Dec 03 2015
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Announcing the Race Roster Spring Run-Off and Toronto Waterfront 10k!

By | Alan's Journal, Race Roster Spring Run-Off | No Comments
TORONTO December 3rd 2015.
A Message from Canada Running Series Race Director Alan Brookes:

I hope you are enjoying some nice, easy running in this down season, giving yourself the time to recover physically as well as mentally after the race season. In the planning department at Canada Running Series, we are all systems GO! The 2016 Canada Running Series season will be our 27th year and it’s shaping up to be a thriller! Most of you know our shared mission of “building community through running”, based on the twin pillars of organization and innovation. 2016 will be no exception with some exciting new changes and growth.

We have two big news items to share!

Announcing the Race Roster Spring Run-Off 8k & 5k! The Spring Run-Off is Toronto’s oldest, continuously-held road race, going into it’s 38th edition, with the killer Spring Road Hill, piper McGonigal, fresh maple syrup, Councillor Doucette flipping pancakes, and hopefully some blossoms in Toronto’s most magnificent park! Race Roster has signed on as new title sponsor and we’ll be working with them on state-of-the-art, customer-friendly online registration and referral incentives for you and your friends! And don’t forget Tribe Fitness’ free “Couch to 8k” training program, designed to get you to the start line on Saturday April 9th. Use hashtag #SpringRunOff to connect with others also training for this race. Registration opens this Monday December 7th at 12 noon!

Perhaps the biggest news of the day is that the Toronto Yonge Street 10k is evolving into the Toronto Waterfront 10k! We are working on an exciting new course with a tentative date of either Saturday June 25th or Sunday June 26th. We have submitted our application based on recommended dates and a fabulous new course which starts on University Avenue, runs down the Lakeshore, out and back past the CNE, and then returning from the West to finish at Coronation Park. Pending final approval from the City, we are planning to open registration in the new year. Stay tuned and feel free to connect with us on Twitter @alnbrookes and @RunCRS using hashtag #Waterfront10k to chat and ask us questions about this exciting new development

Are you ready?

Let’s get our CRS 2016 on! View our full race calendar at RunCRS.ca  

Connect with me on Twitter and Instagram and let’s keep the conversation going!

Nov 16 2015
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Important 2016 Canada Running Series Registration Update!

By | Alan's Journal, Banque Scotia 21k de Montreal et 5k, Oasis ZooRun, Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon | No Comments
A message from Canada Running Series Race Director Alan Brookes:

Hello fellow runners;

As 2015 fades into our log books, 2016 is coming up fast! Canada Running Series is ALMOST done – bar the wrap up! WHAT a year it was! In addition to 8 great Series races, we also had the Pan Am Games to organize and enjoy. A massive THANK YOU to all of you for the important part you played in an outstanding year. Almost 60,000 participants; more than 5,000 volunteers; 19 fabulous sponsors; tens of thousands of spectators and cheer squads; and a whopping $6 million raised for our 339 Official Charities. So many great stories, and reasons to cheer. Beyond EPIC!

Although there’s still a lot of tidy-up activity happening at the CRS offices – paying bills and prize monies, mailing out unclaimed awards, writing 2015 reports for our sponsor partners, we’re also full swing into 2016 – designing next year’s medals and t-shirts, fun new activations and more.

Are you ready?

We have some VERY exciting stuff in the works, including a new race. What will it be called? When will it be held? Where will it run?

Because of these tasty updates, we’ll be LAUNCHING online registration tomorrow for the following Individual Races:

  • Banque Scotia 21K et 5K de Montreal: Sunday April 24th 2016.
  • Oasis ZooRun, 10k, 5K & Cub Run: Saturday September 24th 2016.
  • Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Half-marathon & 5K: Sunday October 16th 2016.

COMBO PACKS, with multi-event discounts, for our full Eastern Calendar [including Toronto Spring races] will be coming SOON. We’ll have that up and available as soon as we have finalized our plans – and you’ll be among the first to know! ‘Til then, let’s keep running, keep in touch, and get planning for new goals, and thrilling new adventures together in 2016.

Alan, @alnbrookes

Nov 03 2015
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Music Heals brings a fresh beat to the Modo Spring Run-Off 8k

By | Modo Spring Run-Off 8k | No Comments

November 3, 2015 (Vancouver, BC) – The 2016 Modo Spring Run-Off 8k is proud to announce a new partnership with the Music Heals Charitable Foundation. The Foundation raises funds for Music Therapy programs across BC and represents a new opportunity for runners to get behind yet another great charity, aligned with Modo’s broader desire to support the arts.

“Partnering with the run is a great opportunity for us to expand awareness and fundraising for local music therapy programs, specifically in this case, the amazing music therapists at the Dr Peter Centre in Vancouver’s West End.” said Chris Brandt, Executive Director of Music Heals. “Music therapy uses music for non-music goals, including physical, social, and emotional support. With the Modo Spring Run-Off we can make a difference in the lives of those in our community who need it most.”

“Modo is thrilled to support Music Heals and the great work it does in our community!” said Modo Marketing Director, Selena McLachlan. “Our roots go back 18 years in the West End. The community holds a special place in our hearts, so being able to direct donations to the Dr. Peter Centre means a lot to us. Modo has been helping residents of the West End – and now dozens of other communities – get easy and affordable access to a car, without all the hassles of ownership.”

The Modo Spring Run-Off 8k is happening March 20th and is the most competitive seawall run in Vancouver attracting some of Canada’s top runners. The run is also one of the most scenic in BC representing great value for the avid runner out to race as well as for the runner that is out to simply enjoy the nature and beauty of Stanley Park. Every registrant receives a technical fabric event shirt, finish medal, post-race food and access to an after party in the Stanley Park Pavilion. Runners new to Modo will each receive a trial carshare membership valued at $50.

Stay tuned for more surprises as we work closely with the Music Heals’ team and its supporting artists to create unique experiences and memories for each runner and fundraiser that participates in the Modo Spring Run-Off 8k.

For more information, visit us at www.springrunoff.ca

The Modo Spring Run-Off 8k is part of the Canada Running Series, Canada’s largest and most-prestigious running circuit with 8 events of varying distances in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. We are dedicated to the sport and the neighbourhoods we run in. Building Community through Running is what CRS is all about. To register and learn more about Canada Running Series events, please visit www.springrunoff.ca

The Music Heals Charitable Foundation raises awareness and fundraises for music therapy programs across Canada. Their mission is to increase patient access to music therapy for children, seniors, palliative care, burn units, bereavement, rehabilitation and more. Music Heals donated $250,000 to music therapy programs in Canada in their first two years. www.musicheals.ca

Modo is a true Vancouver original and the only local, member-owned carshare. Founded in 1997 in Vancouver’s West End, Modo now serves over 13,000 members across the Lower Mainland and Victoria. With a diverse fleet of sports cars, sedan, trucks, SUVs, hybrids and electrics – why own a car when you can share more than 400? Modo is a mission-based, not-for-profit co-operative, helping communities all over the world reduce consumer dependency on car ownership by donating its booking software to new carshare start-ups. Learn more at www.modo.coop

Oct 26 2015
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STWM 2015 Blog Round-Up

By | Digital Champions, Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon | No Comments

A selection of race recaps from the 2015 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon:

“I ran the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon three times on the same day; that’s a total distance of 126.6 km. As a survivor of both childhood sexual abuse and rape, I was running to raise awareness of the prevalence of sexual violence in our communities. But more importantly, I was running to demonstrate the resilience we all have inside to overcome life’s greatest obstacles and trauma.”
Author: Jean-Paul Bedard, iRun Magazine
Link to blog: http://www.irun.ca/blog/index.php/like-forrest-gump-meets-groundhog-day-a-triple-marathon-one-kilometre-at-a-time/ 

“This race represents a homecoming of sorts.  It’s the first half marathon I ever completed, so emotionally, it is near to my heart.  It is also so big that it attracts a lot of people from the running community, in-person and online.  In that respect, it feels like a big family reunion.  And much as I enjoy travelling around the province (and beyond) for races, there is a sense of comfort that comes from competing in your backyard. ”
Author: Darren Cooney
Link to blog: http://darrencooney.blogspot.ca/2015/10/race-report-scotibank-toronto.html 

“As for STWM, however, I’m a lifer. This race has changed my life. I was overwhelmed by this year. It was emotional for me. I realized that this race has brought amazingly positive people into my life.” 
Author: Karyn Cooper, STWM Digital Champion
Link to blog: https://tenminutemile.wordpress.com/2015/10/19/marathon-monday-14/ 

“To my surprise, witnessing 26,000 runners take on the course was much more powerful than any personal running experiences have been. I became obsessed watching each runner pass me wondering what their story was, how they got to the start line, and who they were they running for.” 
Author: Sasha Exeter
Link to blog: http://www.sosasha.com/2015/10/scotiabank-toronto-waterfront-marathon-btgyyz-weekend/ 

“I crossed the line in 3:18:33 – a PB of more than 20 minutes, a Boston Qualifier, but most importantly, a race effort I could be proud of. I started to cry in the finishing chute, which seriously creeped out a lot of the race volunteers. I couldn’t help it – like I said, I’m a giant wuss.” 
Author: Amy Friel, STWM Digital Champion
Link to blog: http://thelongslowdistance.com/2015/10/22/the-war-of-attrition-one-marathon-of-a-race-recap/ 

Steve’s Training Vlog: Episode 14 The Race
Author: Steve Lennon, STWM Digital Champion
Link to vlog: https://youtu.be/xIJsxDWrPkE 

“The course was fairly wide open from the beginning and there was always plenty of room to run the pace I wanted. There were more spectators out than I expected, and I was even surprised to see people cheering along the Spadina Road overpass. I finished in 2:07:02 (9:41 min/mile), which was much better than I anticipated.”
Author: Vicky Leung, STWM Digital Champion
Link to blog: http://menubyvicky.com/2015/11/02/2015-scotiabank-toronto-waterfront-half-marathon/ 

“Since running this race I have been absolutely overwhelmed by the support of friends, family and other runners in the community. It has been incredible.  If I had one word to describe this race experience, it would be “gratitude.” I’m so grateful for everything (and if you made it to the end of this very long post, thank you for reading it!). Marathons are hard. But we did it. I am so proud of all of us.”
Author: Mei Ling, STWM Digital Champion
Link to blog: http://plaincanbelovely.com/2015/10/24/chafing-the-dream-scotiabank-toronto-waterfront-marathon-stwm-2015-race-recap/ 

“Jean-Paul ran the marathon three times so people would learn that lesson. A lesson that should never even need to be taught. So, I got to run with this man. This great, wonderful, funny, fantastic, superhero of a man. I got to cross the finish line with this man and share in this glorious victory, and I had fun. I had so much fun! We laughed, we joked, we shared funny and stupid stories.”
Author: Michael Lobsinger, Get Out Do More
Link to blog: http://getoutdomore.com/2015/10/running-with-heroes/ 

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, this community we have in Toronto is really something special and I am at a loss for words when it comes to the many friends and strangers who reached out to me last week on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and in person at local runs to thank me for cheering at STWM. While it is humbling for people to be appreciative of me being out on the course, truthfully I feel that it is what I should be doing and I don’t do it for the thanks or appreciation. I do it because if we aren’t running we should be cheering.”
Author: Allison Miceli
Link to blog: https://kmhungryyogi.wordpress.com/2015/10/25/stwm-2015-wrap-up/ 

“I now officially hold the Guinness World Record for fastest half-marathon in a suit with an adjudicated time of 1:35:47 (1:35:48 chip time), just a little more than four minutes faster than the 2012 record I set out to break. It was as tough as you’d expect. Even training in my Indochino suit didn’t entirely prepare me for how I’d feel during the attempt. When Coach gave me my race plan, I actually laughed out loud. Thankfully, my Pace & Mind teammates refused to let me settle for less and encouraged me every step of the way. It would result in the personal best of a lifetime.”
Author: Nicholas Mizera, Guinness World Record Holder for Fastest Half-Marathon in a Suit
Link to blog: http://thegentlemanjournalist.com/2015/11/01/photo-finish-how-i-set-the-world-record-for-fastest-half-marathon-in-a-suit/ 

“On one hand all I can think about is how much I’ve accomplished and how I only have 5 kilometers to go, and on the other hand every 100 meters feels like a kilometer and I am almost ready to fall over and cry. I am holding back tears and I can feel myself getting more vocal with my breathing. I am huffing and puffing but I will not give up.”
Author: Katie Neilsen, iRun Magazine 
Link to blog: http://www.irun.ca/blog/index.php/experiencing-the-marathon-for-the-first-time/

“When I was selected as a Digital Champion, I never thought I’d be thrown so deeply into the race, and into the running community. Over the summer, I was asked to be part of a photo series for the race, featuring runners from across the city. As I entered the race expo on Octber 17th, I was greeted with a giant version of myself on the wall, where people were signing their names and writing messages to fellow runners. Is this real life?”
Author: Danielle O’Hanley, STWM Digital Champion
Link to blog: http://runhanley.com/post/131748943206/toronto-waterfront-marathon-race-weekend-report 

“When I crossed the 40k check point, I knew it was gonna be a PB. And that was my goal! I needed it so badly after trying so many times to break my previous PB of 3:50 from the very first marathon I ran. What a feeling crossing that finish line and watching over your head the numbers you imagined in your training dreams! 3:42:57 is my new PB.”
Author: Jarek Pachocki, STWM Digital Champion
Link to blog: https://frjarek.wordpress.com/2015/10/22/chasing-pb-at-stwm-what-a-journey-it-was/ 

“I turned onto Bay Street with it’s multiple meter markers of agony. With about 400 meters to go, I totally started to struggle and slowed my step. A tall guy running next to me glanced back and with a big smile pointed to the finish. I nodded, smiled and picked up my pace. We ran side by side until 50 meters before the finish when he smiled again, waved and zoomed ahead, leaping up in the air repeatedly. Thank you random stranger, I thought laughing. I had no kick left to give but I smiled and trekked across the finish with pride. And a personal best of over 4 minutes!​​” 
Author: Cathy Vandergeest
Link to blog: http://www.runningdesigner.com/blog/more-than-a-race-stwm 

“The last 2k were the great!  We ran through the Parkdale Roadrunners cheer section then made our way up Bay street.  Going up Bay street was a sea of cheers and spectators.  We again saw Allison and the Tribe Fitness cheer station; Thank you all again for the cheers during the last 200m.  From then on I grabbed Karen’s hand and we crossed the finish line!”
Author: Mike Van Mil, STWM Digital Champion
Link to blog: http://paramedicmike.ca/2015/11/04/we-are-now-marathoners-runcrs-stwm-recap-a-marathon-of-a-post/ 

“The Canada Running Series group does a great job at the finish line with cameras going and an announcer to tell you how the elites were doing. I totally stuck around to see how Lanni was doing. Someone at the finish line said she was super close and lucky for a couple of us, they let us stick around to watch Lanni cross. Lanni came in at 2:28:09 or so, just 10 seconds off her own Canadian record. BUT – she did qualify for Rio 2016! YAY!”
Author: Rebecca Wemyss, STWM Digital Champion
Link to blog: http://runningfoodbaby.com/2015/10/stwm-half-marathon-race-recap/ 

“The last part of the race was extra special, a feeling I will never forget. As we make our way up Bay St., a few hundred metres from the finish line, all I hear is someone screaming “GO VICTORIA GO!” and jumping up and down from the corner of my eye.  It was Maya and the rest of the Blacktoe cheer squad!! It was so great to see them at the 6km mark but I didn’t expect to see them again at this point. All that energy helped me push to the finish.”
Author: Victoria
Link to blog: http://victakes.com/stwm-half-marathon-race-recap/ 

Oct 22 2015
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Bedard Accomplishes Triple Toronto Waterfront Marathon. By Paul Gains

By | Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon | No Comments

TORONTO October 22nd 2015. Runners waiting nervously for the start of last weekend’s Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon had little idea that one man amongst them was about to successfully complete his third successive run around the 42km course.

Jean-Paul Bedard stood next to Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne when she fired the starter’s pistol looking haggard and pale then joined her in the second wave. They would run the first five kilometres together before the 49 year old Torontonian pushed on, completing a staggering total of 126.6 kilometres.

Bedard was running to raise awareness of campaigns to combat sexual assault. As he ran with the Premier, the pair discussed ways Bedard could be part of the Liberal government’s #ItsNeverOk campaign. The Premier was interested in having a male voice and she could not find a more articulate nor, sadly, a more appropriate candidate.

When he was 12 years old two men took Bedard to a ravine and raped him. For years he suffered psychological issues including depression, drug and alcohol addiction. He attempted suicide.

Two years ago he finally revealed to his wife Mary-Anne and their adult son what had happened to him. He entered a treatment centre for victims of sexual violence. Running, he says gave him back his life.

STWM15_JP Bedard Night Running

Photo Credit: Edison Yao

Initially he was going to embark on his epic run around midnight Saturday.  But when Premier Wynne’s office confirmed she’d be delighted to run with him it meant he had to alter plans slightly for security purposes.

“I started a bit earlier,” he recalled. “It is not a great thing to have a lot of gap time between marathons. I had no down time between 1 and 2 and I planned a very short gap time between 2 and 3 but because of this we had to go a bit longer. And then when we saw the weather forecast and how cold it was going to be we realized it was not going to end well.”

He laughs at that statement. The temperature was hovering below freezing when he began with only his wife in support around 10:30p.m. Saturday night. A photographer, Edison Yao, accompanied them recording the adventure. Bedard says he often experiences a dodgy stomach and had to be careful with his refueling during the race.

“I ate my big meal at noon Saturday and then had some toast later in the afternoon before I went out,” he continues. “Then it was just gels and PowerBars every once in a while. And between each of the marathons Mary-Anne gave me rice cakes and peanut butter.

“I was trying to run each of the first two marathons in 4 hours 15 to 25 minutes – in that  range. That would include the time of running, the time of running towards a car to get something to eat and then time to get to the start because the start and finish aren’t in the same place.”

Twice he stopped to do live television interviews. Mostly he ran on the roads. He chose to run the first ‘lap’ alone but was joined on the second by runners of different abilities.

“The hardest part of this whole thing was getting the first one done,” he says. “I had my phone on me and it was just beeping the whole time I was running. There were messages coming in all night.

“The second one went really well. I finished that and I got in around 7:30 a.m. and then I got the second medal put on me. Then we had to try to make our way to an area to get changed. I was quite wet from running in the damp for so long.”

Shivering and suffering from the effects of having run 84 kilometres in freezing cold temperatures he had to be ready to meet the Premier before security was further heightened. When he reported to the official start with the 26,000 other runners he was warmly greeted by the Premier.

“I was walking towards her and she saw me,” he recalls. “I was completely pasty, my lips were blue and I was shaking and wrapped in blankets. She had her staff around her and she pushed them aside and just wrapped her arms around me and said ‘we have got to warm this guy up.’”

Photo Credit: Todd Fraser/Canada Running Series

Photo Credit: Todd Fraser/Canada Running Series

After she and her security team reached the 5 kilometre mark he ran with another victim of sexual assault, named Athena. This young lady was a ‘friend of a friend.’ She had been sexually assaulted while running in a Toronto park just two months before the marathon. And she was tormented by the ordeal.

“Every time she ran it would bring up all the issues with the sexual assault,” Bedard explains. “So I said ‘why don’t you run with me and I promise I will stay with you.’ She was worried about slowing me down. I said ‘I will have run two marathons, it’s not about time, it’s about getting it done.’ After the Premier pealed off Athena and I ran together.

“There were points where I wanted to stop and there were points where she wanted to. Then we hit a really low point after about 22km. We were on an isolated part of the course on Bayview. It’s quiet there. It’s nice to run on but when you are suffering it’s not the place to be.”

As they slowed to a walk and contemplated dropping out, a group of runners dressed as characters from the Justice League comics literally came to the rescue. They recognised Bedard and offered support.

“They were supporting us and so I just said to Athena ‘listen I am not crossing that finish line without you,” Bedard continues. “If it takes us five hours to get through this last two k it takes us five hours, I don’t care. We are crossing this line together. So stop crying and let’s not talk about this again.”

Bedard texted Canada Running Series staff to keep them abreast of their location.

“When we came up Bay Street with 300 metres to go I looked over at Athena we both started to cry,” Bedard reveals. “We crossed the finish line holding hands with the ‘Superheroes’ right behind us.”

Photo Credit: Canada Running Series/Christine Spingola

Photo Credit: Canada Running Series/Christine Spingola

“It was the most emotional thing. We wrapped our arms around each other hugged and kissed. It was a special moment. It was exactly why I was doing this.”

With three finisher’s medals hanging around his neck he set about answering the thousands of messages sent from victims and supporters around the world. Three days after the run he was still dealing with them. People were asking where they could donate money.

Running four consecutive Toronto Waterfront Marathons is not in the cards, Bedard says. But fundraising is very much on his mind for 2016.

“I have talked to Alan (Brookes) about this,” Bedard says. “In New York they have Fred’s Team (named after New York Marathon co-founder Fred Lebowitz). I would like to find a way of bringing more people in and make a team. I want to raise awareness while tapping into a huge way of raising funds.”

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Oct 18 2015
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Chemtan and Demise Emerge Victorious in Toronto. By Paul Gains

By | Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon | No Comments

DSC_2869TORONTO October 18th 2015. On his second visit to Canada Ishhimael Chemtan of Kenya won the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon today in a time of 2:09:00 narrowly outsprinting his countryman Gilbert Kirwa who finished a second behind.

Chemtan was 3rd in the 2014 Ottawa Marathon.

The defending Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront champion, Laban Korir, struggled with a stitch at 35 kilometres faded badly before recovering to battle his way back into 3rd place in 2:09:20.

Kirwa, who has three times dipped under 2:07 in his career was not disappointed with his narrow loss in this IAAF Gold Label race.

“I was very confident that I could win the race but maybe the other guy has prepared himself very well,” Kirwa said. “We used to train together a long time ago so he knows me very well and also I know him very well.”

The affable Kirwa agreed to act as translator for the victor who preferred to speak Swahili rather than English at the post race press conference.

Defending champion Laban Korir also of Kenya suffered a stitch at roughly 35km and after fading from the picture recovered to amount a fast finishing charge. He finished 3rd in 2:09:20.

DSC_2938The women’s race was won by Ethiopian sensation Shure Demise who ran away from the world class field to win in 2:23:37. Behind her the course record holder Kenya’s Sharon Cherop and Fatuma Sado of Ethiopia, battled elbow to elbow finishing in the same time of 2:24:16.

Officials took several hours to study the finish line video before deciding they had tied and will each receive $12,000 prize money.

Conditions were less than ideal with temperatures hovering around freezing point at the start and so it was only Canada’s Eric Gillis and Lanni Marchant among the elites who achieved what they had set out to do timewise:  finish under the Olympic qualifying standard.

Gillis ran 2:11:31 to finish 7th overall while Lanni Marchant was on pace to beat her own Canadian record (2:28:00) until 30km when her left calf cramped once again. It has been a problem throughout her marathoning career. But she was all smiles realising she  has now got Olympic qualifying standards in both the 10,000m and the marathon.

“It feels really good,” she concluded. “I came in here with DSC_2980less pressure on me. I tried to go for my record and I was good until about 30k then, like typical me, the left calf went and I was running on borrowed time at that point.

“It was the Rio standard that was the ultimate goal and if I got the record that was going to be icing on the cake. I came pretty close. I came around the bend (with 250 metres remaining) and thought ‘you gotta be kidding me but I am well under the Olympic standard and that’s a good place to be especially in 2012. I was almost there and now for certain I am going to be there and I get to my pick of events.”

Both Gillis and Marchant were well supported by their respective families as well as by the crowd to whom they have become certifiable stars since racing in the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Indeed, Gillis’s five fastest times have all come on this course and Marchant’s Canadian record was set here two years ago.

DSC_2894Gillis and his training partner, Reid Coolsaet, who was busy driving to and from the airport on behalf of the event, both have the Olympic standard. Barring two other athletes achieving the time, Rio will mark Gillis’ third Olympic team. Amongst distance runners only Kevin Sullivan, Leah Pells and Paul Williams ran in three Olympic games.

A year ago Gillis ran a personal best of 2:11:21. Now at the age of 35 he is still showing good form.

“I probably got Plan ‘C’” Gillis joked afterwards. “If I was starting with plan ‘A’ would probably go to break 2:11 plan ‘B’ a personal best and then plan ‘C’ 2:11:30 something right where I have run before. Feels good. Thats more than acceptable to do that here today.”

“It feels great to have a qualifying time under my belt and I wanted to run sub 2:12 and get it by at least a minute and I did that. So what I could control I controlled and I hit the time that was in the ball park I wanted. It’s a good feeling right now to execute and get that first checkmark.”

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Oct 15 2015
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Train With Grains Recipe: Chickpea, Barley and Zucchini Ribbon Salad with Feta

By | Community Leaders, Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon | No Comments
Train With Grains Recipe: Chickpea, Barley and Zucchini Ribbon Salad with Feta. By Heather Gardner. 

This year we’re teaming up with the Grain Farmers of Ontario to bring you the best pre and post-run recipes to fuel your marathon training! Each week we’ll feature a new and unique recipe from one of our CRS Community Leader Ambassadors. Our final recipe is a fresh, tasty and nutritious salad from Heather Gardner. Do you have a recipe you’d like to share? Share a photo on Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #TrainWithGrains for your chance to win a “Good in Every Grain” Prize Pack valued at $50!

Barley isn’t as well know as oats or wheat, but it’s a great addition to many grain-based dishes. Did you know? Barley appears in plenty of baked goods, and barley flakes can be eaten cooked like rolled oats! And of course, barley malt, made by soaking and drying barley kernels is a key ingredient in the production of beer! Here’s a fresh, tasty and nutritious salad originally posted on thekitchn.com that uses pearl barley as it’s main ingredient.

Makes 2 servings as a main dish, 4 servings as a side dish

Ingredients:

2 medium zucchini11222555_10156155506175475_7606881267581100037_o

3/4 teaspoon salt, divided, plus more for salting water

1/3 cup pearl barley

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon white wine vinegar

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 cups (or 1 15-ounce can) chickpeas, drained

2 tablespoons feta cheese

Freshly ground pepper

Trim the ends of the zucchini and cut in half crosswise. Using a mandolin or a knife, cut the zucchini into thin matchstick strips. Place strips in a colander in the sink in drain excess moisture. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and massage lightly with your hands to evenly disperse the salt. Let sit as long as it takes to prepare the rest of the salad.

Next, bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Salt the water and add the barley. Cook, stirring occasionally, until barley is cooked through, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and set aside.

12087705_10156155506280475_8425192442077811610_oWhile the barely is boiling, make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, vinegar and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Slowly whisk in the olive oil and set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, barley and about half of the dressing. Once cooled, stir and transfer to a serving bowl. Crumble the feta over the top and serve.

It’s the FINAL week to WIN! Share your favourite pre or post run snack or meal on Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #TrainWithGrains for your chance to win a $50 “Good In Every Grain” prize pack! 

Oct 09 2015
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My Run Barbados Experience. By Kim Goff, 11-time marathon winner!

By | Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon | No Comments

Did you know? We are giving away two trips to Run Barbados Marathon Weekend, including hotel accommodations by Sugar Bay Barbados and Bougainvillea Beach Resort, airfare, race entry, shuttle and food! Winners will be drawn from all entrants in the full marathon distance and announced after STWM Race Weekend! 

American Kim Goff has won the Barbados Marathon a record-breaking 11 times! This year, will be Kim’s 25th consecutive visit to Run Barbados Marathon Weekend and in the post below she shares how special this event has been to her running career.

My Run Barbados Experience. By Kim Goff, 11 time marathon winner!

Run Barbados Kim Goff

Photo Credit: Sporting Barbados

My first visit to Barbados was in 1991.  I read about the event in the back of a Runner’s World magazine under the marathon schedule.  I emailed the race director, told him of my success as a marathon runner, and expressed interest in competing in the marathon.   I traveled to Barbados for 4 days on that first trip. I was captivated by the beautiful island so soon after my arrival.  I left behind a dreary and cold winter and was suddenly on a lush tropical island with the most beautiful aqua water that I had ever seen.  The race went very well for me.  I had stiff competition with two other female runners for the majority of the race but held strong for the win.  I was so touched by the many spectators along the route even though the race starts as early as 5 am.  I’ll never forget how lovely the women and children looked dressed in their Sunday’s best awaiting their buses to church.

Those four days passed so quickly. I knew I would return the following year and I did.  We came to make friends with many locals that year and another win was such a surprise. The third year,  we decided to make Barbados our holiday and to take the children. They too fell in love with the beauty of the beaches and the friendly locals and another win in the women’s race was again icing on the cake!  The years passed swiftly, and every December was so exciting as it held another visit to our second home.  My many new friends would come out early to greet me along the course on race day and I came to know many by name.  The tenth year was particularly exciting for me as it was said to be a world record for most consecutive wins in an international event.

It was not long before I would be diagnosed with breast cancer.  After discussions with my physician, it was decided that radiation treatment could begin after I competed.  I felt I owed it to my Bajan friends to set the world record and I did!  Originally, I had planned to compete just for the 10 years, but decided to keep going.  My daughter and son continued to return with me each year until they reached university.  I was very sad when the marathon didn’t take place several years ago.  I had planned on going for the 20 year mark but only made it 19.  Since then, I have competed in all of the events during race weekend.  I am a seasoned runner now, the legs are slow, but my spirit soars.

I have always encouraged others to visit Barbados and to Run Barbados Kim Goff 2partake in the Run Barbados series. It is a truly wonderful event with incredible participation of locals and visitors.  I have had many travel opportunities during my running career.  Barbados is a special place for me.  I have been blessed with making lifetime friendships.  I am very excited about competing in my 20th Run Barbados Marathon this year.  This will mark my 25th consecutive year competing in the event.  Last year my son returned, he was 6 during his first visit.  Now at 25, he still feels the same excitement he did as a child.  We did all of the events on race weekend in 2014.  The Run Barbados organisers have been most supportive during my visits over so many years.  I am truly grateful for the warm hospitality shown me by this great event.