May 09 2023
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Joint supplements as a chiro and running coach with collagen (Bone and Joint) and adult supplements

By | General, Nutrition | No Comments

Let’s be honest, injuries suck! No one likes to get injured, but the stats are clear, 50% of runners will experience an injury in a given year (Bramah, 2018).   Injuries are multifactorial, meaning that there are many root causes.  The main reason injuries happen is because the load has exceeded our bodies capacity to adapt. SO if there was something you could do to help prevent injuries from occurring, wouldn’t you want to?

Let’s also break down running. Running is jumping from one foot to the other with about 2.5-6x your body weight of force with each step, with about ~1000 steps PER kilometer!  When we break it down, it is obvious why we should try to keep our bones and joints healthy.

Here are some injury prevention tips that you can include in your training plan:

  • Strength training is one way to keep running strong.
  • It is important to keep in mind that every run has a purpose. Sometimes that purpose is to be easy and recover.  It is important to not overdo it on these easy days as it can overload the body so it cannot recover.
  • Optimizing your running gait has also been shown to improve your injury risk (Chan, 2017).
  • It is also important to fuel appropriately for the training demands.

Common running injuries include muscle strains, tendinopathy and joint related injuries. Most commonly injured areas are knee, foot and lower leg (Bramah, 2018). So it becomes important to make sure we are doing everything we can do to support the above tissues.

Collagen can be a great addition to a runner’s routine in order to help with these common ailments.  In a 2022 study collagen was found to promote connective tissue recovery, decrease pain,  improve strength and body composition (Kviatkovsky).  Another 2022 study found collagen had promising benefits for the treatment and prevention of tendinopathy (Hijlkema). As we age, the collagen we produce decreases, so supplementation can be a great way to get what we need.

There are three types of collagen:

Type 2– joints and cartilage

Type 1 & 3– muscle tendon, skin, hair

It is important to make sure you are taking the correct collagen for the benefit you want.

If you want to try adding this to your routine, be sure to consult a healthcare practitioner and also be aware that noticeable results may take up to six months.

Another common injury is bone stress injuries such as stress reactions and fractures.  It is important that runners keep their bones strong.  Our bone mineral density is at its peak at age 25.  As we age and accumulate miles on the pavement, it can be helpful to have supplements to promote strong bones.

Running is catabolic, meaning it breaks tissues down, and so if you are doing a lot of it, it can be detrimental to bone health.  Taking things such as bone broth and vitamin D can help to keep the bones strong for the long run.  It is also vital you are consuming enough calories for the output.

Lastly, sleep is hugely important when it comes to injuries and injury prevention. We recover when we sleep, so if you are not sleeping optimally, you are not recovering optimally.  Magnesium can be a great addition to your sleep routine while also helping to decrease muscle cramping.

When it comes to running, injuries are common, but there is a lot that can be done with supplementation to help prevent and minimize these potential setbacks!

References:

Bramah et al., 2018. Is there a pathological gait associated with common soft tissue injuries?  The American Journal of Sports Medicine.

Chan et al., (2017). Gait Retraining for the Reduction of Injury Occurrence in Novice Distance Runners: 1-Year Follow-up of a Randomized Controlled Trial. American Journal of Sports Medicine.

Hijlkema et al., 2022. The impact of nutrition on tendon health and tendinopathy: a systematic review.  Journal of the international Society of Sports Nutrition.

Kviatkovsky et al., 2022. Collagen peptide supplementation for pain and function: is it effective.  Nutrition & physiological function.

Stacy sims blog

Bio: Dr. Brittany Moran

Dr. Brittany Moran is a Toronto based chiropractor, run coach & runner.  She works at The Runner’s Academy as a chiropractor and is the founder and head coach of StrideWise Running. In her spare time, Brittany trains for marathons at a sub elite level with a personal best of 2:33.

Instagram: @torunningchiro / @stridewiserunning / @therunnersacademy

Apr 23 2023
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Le 21K de Montréal couronne Mohamed Aagab et Elissa Legault / 21K de Montréal crownes Mohamed Aagab and Elissa Legault

By | Uncategorised | No Comments

Plus de 3500 participants se sont alignés sur une des trois lignes de départ du 21K de Montréal, la deuxième étape du Canada Running Series 2023. 

Les coureurs du demi-marathon ont sillonné les îles Ste-Hélène et Notre-Dame du parc Jean-Drapeau sous des conditions météorologiques presque qu’idéales : 13C et généralement ensoleillé. Le parcours composé de quatre boucles différentes a permis aux nombreux spectateurs de voir et d’encourager les participants à plusieurs occasions. De nombreux sites d’encouragements, animés par des équipes de course, étaient dispersés sur le parcours. 

Mohamed Aagab de Campbellton, NB (1h05min42) et Elissa Legault de Mascouche, QC (1h12min25) ont confirmé leur niveau de forme de ce début de saison en remportant leur course de façon convaincante. 

Chez les hommes un groupe de 6 coureurs s’est détaché du peloton dès le 4ième kilomètre. Au 14ième kilomètre, le groupe s’était effrité à 3 coureurs : Mohamed Aagab, Alexander Maxwell d’Ottawa et Moussab Hadout de Montréal. C’est au 18ième kilomètre que tout s’est joué, Aagab a poussé une vive accélération pour distancer ses partenaires d’échappée, c’est cette décision stratégique qui lui a valu la victoire. 

Chez les femmes, Elissa Legault a mené la course de bout en bout sans regarder derrière. À la conquête du record québécois du demi-marathon qu’elle détenait jusqu’en mars dernier, elle a pu travailler avec un groupe d’hommes pour de nombreux kilomètres, mais l’arrivée du vent à la mi-course a contrecarré ses plans. Au final, elle devançait par plus de quatre minutes Maria Zambrano de Calgary, AB (1h16min56) et Alex Castonguay de Boisbriand, QC (1h17min40). 

L’énergie et l’enthousiasme des participants et des spectateurs étaient palpables en cette matinée de célébrations pour la communauté de course à pied et les 45 organismes de bienfaisance du défi caritatif du Canada Running Series. L’événement a permis d’amasser près de 500 000$ pour différentes causes faisant de l’événement la plus grande course de collecte de fonds au Québec; la collecte de dons se poursuivra jusqu’au 31 mai. 

Le 21K fut suivi par les 10K et 5K de Montréal. Isaac Fraser (32min21) et Katherine Labelle Nguyen (40min23) ont remporté la victoire au 10 km. Mackenzie Bauer (15min35) et Nina Gunther (17min27) furent les gagnants du 5 km. 

La prochaine étape du Canada Running Series se déroulera le 17 juin prochain pour le Toronto Waterfront 10K, avant de se diriger vers l’Ouest pour le Demi-marathon de Vancouver le 25 juin. Les inscriptions et la collecte de fonds en-ligne sont ouvertes sur www.RunCRS.ca
 

Pour les résultats complets du 21K de Montréal voir sportstats.ca. Les photos seront affichées sur la page d’accueil de l’événement. 

————————–

More than 3500 participants lined up to race on April 22 at the 21K in Montreal, the second stop of the 2023 Canada Running Series. 

The half marathon runners crisscrossed the Ste-Hélène and Notre-Dame islands of Parc Jean-Drapeau under almost ideal weather conditions: 13C and generally sunny. 

Mohamed Aagab from Campbellton, NB (1:05:42) and Elissa Legault from Mascouche, QC (1:12:25) confirmed their level of form at the start of the season by winning their races in convincing fashion. 

In the men’s category, a group of 6 runners broke away from the field after the kilometer 4, but by the 14th kilometer, the group was down to 3 runners: Mohamed Aagab, Alexander Maxwell from Ottawa and Moussab Hadout from Montreal. It was at the 18th kilometer that everything was decided, Aagab surged with a decisive burst to distance himself from the pack, a strategic decision that earned him the victory. 

Among the women, Elissa Legault led the race from start to finish without looking back. She was attempting to break the Quebec half marathon record that she held until this past March. She was able to work with a group of men for a lot of the race, but the wind picked up at the halfway point and her record attempt was foiled. In the end, she was ahead by more than four minutes on Maria Zambrano from Calgary, AB (1:16:56) and Alex Castonguay from Boisbriand, QC (1:17:40). 

The energy of the participants and spectators was palpable, considered a huge celebration for the local running community and the 45 charity partners of the Canada Running Series Charity Challenge. The event is fast approaching it’s goal of $500,000 raised for various causes, making the event the largest fundraising race in Quebec. Fundraising will continue until May 31st. 

The 21K was followed by the 10K and 5K in Montreal. Isaac Fraser (32:21)and Katherine Labelle Nguyen (40:23) won the 10 km. Mac Bauer (15:35) and Nina Gunther (17:27) were the winners of the 5 km. 

The next leg of the Canada Running Series takes place on June 17 for the Toronto Waterfront 10K, before heading west for the Vancouver Half Marathon on June 25. Online registration and fundraising is open at www.RunCRS.ca 

For complete 21K de Montréal results, here is the link to Sportstats. Photos will be posted soon on the event homepage. 

Apr 10 2023
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Announcing the Elite Field for the 2023 21K de Montréal

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

21K de Montréal – Liste des Départs Élites

Femmes/Women’s Start List

Bib Number First Name Last Name City Province
F-3 Colleen Wilson Deep Cove NS
F-4 Janie Grand'Maison Montréal QC
F-5 Jennifer  Barron Paradise  NL
F-6 Nadine Frost-Corinaldi Ottawa ON
F-7 Julie Lajeunesse Lachine QC
F-8 Ann-Rebecca Drolet Montréal QC
F-9 Emma Ollivier Montréal QC
F-10 Alex Hynes Ottawa ON
F-11 Catherine Thompson Halifax NS
F-12 Rebecca Pieterson Ottawa ON
F-13 Andrea Hill Ottawa ON
F-14 Anne-Marie Gauthier Quebec QC
F-15 Kathia Rached Montréal QC
F-16 Anne Johnston St John’s NL

Hommes/Men’s Start List

Bib Number First Name Last Name City Province
1 Marc-Antoine Senneville Trois-Rivières QC
2 Benjamin Raymond Laval QC
3 Robert  Kajuga  Ottawa ON
4 François Jarry Lachine QC
5 Pierre-Yves Normandin Québec QC
6 Marcel Mongeon Hamilton ON
7 Jean-Samuel Lapointe Québec QC
8 Louis-Philippe Garnier Montreal QC
9 Hédi  Sonnallier Montréal QC
10 Glenn Vanobost Nukerke Oost-Vlaanderen
11 Arnaud Francioni Montréal QC
12 Félix-Antoine Bédard Montréal QC
13 ianis Garé Montréal QC
14 Timothé  Dumont Montréal  QC
15 Mehdi Takatri Montréal QC
16 Jacob  Cameron Ottawa ON
17 Julian Meyer Vancouver BC
18 Remi Leroux Waterloo QC
19 Zed Roy Longueuil  QC
20 Doan Tran Montréal QC
21 Fabien Filoche Longueuil QC
22 Adrien Durand Saint Vincent de Paul Nouvelle-Aquitaine (France)
23 Baghdad  Rachem Verdun QC
24 Nicolas Paradis St Bruno QC
25 Brian Byrne London ON
26 Alvaro Cueto Saint-Hubert QC
27 Frederick Jouin Montreal QC
28 Jean-Marc Thériault Repentigny QC
29 Laurent Liska Montreal QC
Apr 02 2023
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Sasha Gollish and Jeremy Coughler take the Titles at Spring Run-Off  

By | Elite Athletes | No Comments

Celebrating its 46th edition, the Spring Run-Off has raised $28,500 for Parkdale Community Foodbank  

TORONTO, April 1, 2023 — A sold-out crowd of 3,500 celebrated Opening Day for running in Toronto at the 46th annual Spring Run Off this morning in High Park, the first event of Canada Running Series 2023. Participants were drawn from every Canadian province and 14 American states. Sunny skies and 12c degree temperatures created ideal conditions for challenging the famous hills of the city’s most scenic park.  

Defending men’s champion, Jeremy Coughler of London, ON, put in a surge after the first climb up Centre Road at 3km, then cruised to victory ahead of Rob Kanko  (24:19) of Dundas and Halifax, Nova Scotia’s Alex Neuffer  (24:31). Coughler’s time was a scant four seconds slower than his 2022 victory lap. Sasha Gollish (26:58) showed her strength in the women’s race with a convincing triumph, 22 seconds ahead of Team Canada teammate Erin Teschuk (27:20), showing us why she will be representing Canada at the World Mountain & Trail Championships in Innsbruck-Stubia in June. Laura Desjardins was a distant third (28:10).  

But there were so many more winners on a memorable morning. To continue the tradition since its inception in 1978, Piper Dave MacGonigal led racers to the start lines of the 8K, 5K and Kids Run. Ubuntu Community served up a delicious pancake breakfast with proceeds going to both them and the High Park Nature Centre. Madawaska Maple Products and Marquest Sunglasses handed out further prizes and the primary charity of the day – the Parkdale Community Foodbank — took home $28,500 to help them feed 6,000 needy families in the Downtown and West End every month. Fundraising is still open until April 30th, with the final total expected to go well beyond $30,000.  Additionally, this year’s race supported Trans Canada Trail ($440), Trees for Life ($970) and Canada Running Series Foundation ($2870), bringing the 2023 fundraising grand total to $33,870 already. 

Back for a 7th year, the popular Kill The Hill challenge up the infamous 600m incline on Spring Road to the Finish Line had a new twist with winners being crowned “Heroes of The Hill” in the men’s, women’s and non-binary categories. After racing up the gut-busting, timed, final 365m, Jessey The Elf claimed first in the men’s 8K conquering the hill in 1 minute 12 seconds, with Katie Anderson crowned Women’s Superhero in 1:32. Tanya Hauck placed first in the non-binary race with a time of 2:12. In the 5K, Toronto’s Brittany Moran was first woman in 1:33, with Brett McGonigal finishing first for the men in 1:13, and Noah Simpson-Freeman taking the non-binary category with a time of 2:00.  

Collectively, the running community gathered together to line the hills of High Park and cheer on the participants. The boundless energy of Kardia Athletica, High Park Rogue Runners, Frontrunners, Pride Run, Parkdale Roadrunners, Parkdale Food Bank and RunTOBeer pushed participants through to the finish line all morning to celebrate a resounding success. 

Top Women: 

  1. Sasha Gollish – 26:58  
  2. Erin Teschuk – 27:20  
  3. Laura Desjardins – 28:10  
  4. Courtney Brohart – 28:59  
  5. Becca Brennan – 29:18  

Top Men: 

  1. Jeremy Coughler – 23:51  
  2. Rob Kanko – 24:19  
  3. Alex Neuffer – 24:31  
  4. Ian Guiden – 24:38  
  5. Kyle Grieve – 24:46  

For listing of all Overall and Age Category winners in both 8K & 5K click here. For complete, individual, searchable results click here.

Mar 23 2023
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Announcing the Elite Field for the 2023 Spring Run-Off

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

Women’s Start List

Bib Number First Name Last Name City Province
F-1 Erin Mawhinney Hamilton ON
F-2 Alexandra Lucki Toronto ON
F-3 Laura Desjardins Toronto ON
F-4 Salome Nyirarukundo Ottawa ON
F-5 Heidi Ohrling Collingwood ON
F-6 Olivia Roussel Toronto ON
F-7 Asia  Dwyer Toronto ON
F-8 Madeleine Sumner London ON
F-9 Laurel Buchanan Toronto ON
F-10 Stephanie  Ryall Hamilton ON
F-11 Bridget Leon Mississauga ON
F-12 Allison (Ali) Drynan Toronto ON

Men’s Start List

Bib Number First Name Last Name City Province
1 Jeremy Coughler Thamesford ON
2 Ehab El-Sandali Durham NC
3 Rob Kanko Dundas ON
4 Kyle Grieve Toronto  ON
6 Mitchell Ubene Hamilton ON
7 Graham Baird Pickering ON
8 Robert  Kajuga  Ottawa ON
9 Dylan Alick Mississauga ON
10 Miles Avalos Toronto  ON
11 Matthew  Viveiros Etobicoke  ON
12 Samuel Kinahan Toronto ON
13 Brandon Raftis Toronto ON
14 Robert  Lawand Toronto ON
15 Matthew Lozano Ajax ON
16 Zach  Frangos Toronto ON
17 Alex Cyr Toronto ON
18 Caleb Beland Sudbury ON
19 Daniel Fournier Toronto ON
20 Aaron Manning Toronto ON
21 Paddy  Birch Toronto ON
22 Timothy Fowler Toronto ON
23 Shinsuke Adachi North York ON
24 Kevin Beatty Frankford ON
25 Jose Fuentes Hamilton ON
26 Robert van den Heuvel Woodbridge ON
27 Philip Oreopoulos Toronto ON
Mar 22 2023
0

Athletic Brewing Company continues partnership with Canada Running Series, Named Official Non-Alcoholic Beer of 3 Marquee Races

By | Uncategorised | No Comments

America’s largest non-alcoholic craft brewery will bring its award-winning brews to the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Vancouver Half Marathon, and Under Armour Toronto 10K

TORONTO, CAN – March 22, 2023 – Athletic Brewing Company, America’s leading producer of non-alcoholic craft beer, has renewed its partnership with Canada Running Series (CRS), today announcing its return as the official non-alcoholic beer partner of the 2023 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, and the 2023 Vancouver Half Marathon. Additionally, Athletic Brewing Company will be the official non-alcoholic beer partner of the 2023 Under Armour Toronto 10K. 

Athletic Brewing Company’s flagship brews will be served at the finish lines of all three marquee CRS races, allowing participants to celebrate their accomplishments without compromise. Participants will also have a chance to sample Athletic Brewing’s award-winning brews before race day at scheduled local training runs and during the Toronto Waterfront Marathon Expo. Runners will also have the option to purchase 6-packs of Athletic Brewing when registering for the race and have access to exclusive discounts.

“We’re delighted that Athletic Brewing Company is once again working with Canada Running Series,” said CRS National Event Director Charlotte Brookes. “Their commitment to sustainability, innovation, and excellence, and most especially to mindful lifestyles, makes them a perfect partner in our continued quest to build community through running. Their award-winning, non-alcoholic craft beers will continue to greatly enhance our celebratory, post-race experiences and make our events even tastier than before!”

With standing global partnerships with IRONMAN and Spartan Race, Athletic Brewing Company has a deep-rooted commitment to the world of outdoor sport and adventure. Athletic Brewing Company donated to five Canadian trail organizations in 2022 through its Two For The Trails program, which gives back up to $2 million annually to protect and restore outdoor spaces.  

“We’re super excited to be back at this year’s races in Toronto and Vancouver,” said Athletic Brewing Co-Founder and CEO Bill Shufelt. “Canadians have embraced Athletic in a big way and we want to make sure we are at the finish line to greet them and toast their accomplishments once again.” 

Registration is open now for all three events. The Under Armour Toronto 10K will take place on June 17, 2023. The Vancouver Half Marathon is set for June 25, 2023, and the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon will take place on October 15, 2023. With hybrid events here for the foreseeable future, each event will offer all distances virtually as well.

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

For more information on Athletic Brewing Company, please visit www.athleticbrewing.ca.

For press inquiries please contact:

Canada Running Series: Kelly Dekoning|kelly@canadarunningseries.com | 289.700.2435

Athletic Brewing Company: Chris Furnari | press@athleticbrewing.com

 

###

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 2022, CRS raised $4.2 million for over 240 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 Athletic Brewing Company


Athletic Brewing, founded in 2017 by Bill Shufelt and John Walker, is America’s leading producer of non-alcoholic craft beer. In 2022, Athletic was ranked as the 26th fastest-growing private company in America by Inc. Magazine, named one of TIME’s “100 Most Influential Companies,” and featured on Fortune’s “Change the World” list. Athletic was also selected as one of Ad Age’s Top 20 Hottest Brands of 2022 and appeared on Fast Company’s “Brands That Matter” list in 2021. The company has won dozens of prestigious brewing awards and was named the North American Brewer of the Year at the 2022 International Beer Challenge. Athletic has custom breweries on the east and west coasts and donates up to $2 million of all sales to protecting and restoring outdoor spaces across the globe via its Two For The Trails program. Plus, as a part of its IMPACT Program, 1% of revenue goes to non-profit organizations that support positive impact and opportunity from the ground up. As of 2022, Athletic Brewing is proudly a Certified B Corporation™. Its full-flavored non-alcoholic beers are available for purchase on www.athleticbrewing.ca.

Mar 22 2023
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Organika Joins the Canada Running Series as the Collagen and Supplement Partner

By | Uncategorised | No Comments

Canada’s Number One selling collagen powder company will bring their focus to help people love living healthier lives to the World-Renowned Races in 2023 and beyond

TORONTO, CAN – March 22, 2023 – Organika today announces its partnership with Canada Running Series (CRS), as the official collagen and supplement partner of their series of races, including the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, October 15th. The new deal promises to bring Canada’s number one selling collagen to the finish lines of CRS’ races, allowing participants to start their recovery process right at the finish line.

Participants will have a number of opportunities to try the collagen in advance of their race, including at scheduled local training runs, through access to exclusive discounts, or by attending the Toronto Waterfront Marathon Expo.

“We’re delighted to welcome Organika to Canada Running Series,” said CRS National Event Director Charlotte Brookes.

“Their commitment to providing the best in natural health make them a perfect partner in our continued quest to build community through running. Like CRS, Organika are a Canadian owned and operated, family business that provides its customers with a quality product that you can trust. We look forward to a long partnership!”

What started as a small range of supplements has grown into an always-evolving collection of products, that range from supporting hydration, immunity, stress, skin health, and more. Organika is one of the most well-known, trusted brands in the Canadian health and wellness space. With over 30 years of experience, Organika is dedicated to delivering high-quality customer care while leading with best-in-class innovation, and committed to a singular mission – helping people live healthy.

“From day one, Organika has been meeting all people where they are at along their health journey, it is an honour to support Canadian Running Series in pursuit to help build healthy communities within the running space,” said Organika Health Products Inc. CEO, Aaron Chin. “We look forward to cheering participants on race day and providing natural health and wellness products along the way!”

Registration is open now for all events. The Spring Run-Off is set for April 1, 2023, the Under Armour Toronto 10K will happen on June 17, 2023, the Vancouver Half Marathon is set for June 25, 2023, the Oasis ZooRun is set for September 16, 2023, the Under Armour Eastside 10K is set for September 24, 2023 and the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon will take place on October 15, 2023. With hybrid events here for the foreseeable future, each event will offer all distances virtually as well.

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

Media Contact: Kelly Dekoning, Communications Coordinator, Canada Running Series
kelly@canadarunningseries.com | 289.700.2435

For more information on Organika, please visit: www.organika.com.

Press Contact: Krista Cline | mailto:Krista.Cline@organika.com| 604.340.2259

###

 

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 2022, CRS raised $4.2 million for over 240 local charities through their Charitable efforts.

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 Organika

What started as a small range of supplements has grown into an always-evolving collection of products, that range from supporting hydration, immunity, stress, skin health, and more. Organika is one of the most well-known, trusted brands in the Canadian health and wellness space. With over 30 years of experience,

Organika is dedicated to delivering high-quality customer care while leading with best-in-class innovation, and committed to a singular mission – helping people live healthy.

Website: www.organika.com

Social: @organikahealth

Dec 31 2022
0

Alan’s 2022 Year End Recap

By | Alan's Journal | No Comments

THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. GRAND MERCI. MUCHISIMAS GRACIAS. 

We cannot say it enough. 

2022. What a year it’s been. A true marathon as we raced our way back to in-person events TOGETHER. Let’s be honest, at times it’s been a challenge, but it’s one we’ve met full on thanks to your resilience, passion, energy, and determination. You showed up this year and made it wonderfully successful in so many ways. Almost 50,000 of you showed up across our 10 events, most in-person with some virtual to keep us connected when we couldn’t get to the races. The energy has been electric and everyone at Canada Running Series is enormously grateful.

This year feels like it has been a wonderful combination of old and new. We’ve revelled in the moments together on the familiar hills of High Park, dashing down Vancouver’s Spanish Banks, revving our engines on Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal and cruising the Toronto Waterfront. The old stomping grounds… TOGETHER AGAIN. The magic of those Starting lines, and the joy  mixed with exhilaration of crossing Finish lines. With friends, rivals, suppliers, our absolutely amazing volunteers and our 18 CRS team members. Thank you to our sponsor partners who kept us whole during the darkest days of the pandemic so we’d reach a bright new tomorrow.  

And in many ways, YOU, our community, have given us a re-energized, new beginning this year. Together we’ve made a renewed commitment to “building community through running”, our mission since the 1980s.   

With remarkable numbers you showed you cared for those in need. Through our Charity Challenges you contributed a magnificent $4,206,215. New partners in TCS, Asics, Garmin and Athletic Brewing joined old friends like Oasis, Running Room, Under Armour, and Nuun as we surged back on familiar roads and new directions. 

At every turn we embraced diversity and inclusion to build out the community:  

  • with the new Scarborough 5K built locally through the awesome leadership of Melanie @little3women,  Anoke @ahh.noke and Black Runners of the GTA. It was a race on home turf that also gave back to the Boys & Girls Club of East Scarborough & Native Child and Family Services of Toronto.;  
  • by partnering with the Running Physio and Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital to help us better understand and champion Accessibility in not only this race, but all our races. 
  • In addition to continuing our work with Native Women Running, we collaborated with Rising Hearts and embraced the Running On Native Lands Initiative, to make land acknowledgements a common practice at CRS events, to further our respect and understanding in a united community. 

A determined commitment to sustainability emerged throughout the year, but especially with our new partner TCS who even developed a “sustainability footprint calculator” in the world-class race app for the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon. You pledged more than 700 trees to be planted along the marathon route by new charity partner Trees For Life, and supported the Trans Canada Trail. Your Finishers’ medals included the oak tree adopted as Toronto’s Official Tree in May and together we made it a priority to become the first marathon in Canada to achieve Evergreen status with the Council For Responsible Sport (still pending). 

2022 saw us put on our first-ever international race as we embraced a commitment to build community globally. The Rumbo a TCS Toronto Waterfront 10k en la CDMX, is a collaboration in México City with the amazing team at Emoción Deportiva, supported by Ambassador Graeme Clark and the Canadian Embassy in México, plus Alma Leal and TCS Latin America.  

From the titanic achievements at National Championships, to the heroics of everyday heroes and leaders you have given us SOOOOO MUCH to celebrate. Most of all we have been struck by the energy, passion and excitement you shared with us in 2022. This was no more evident than in our CRS Ambassador Program, the Building on Belief video features produced for us by Tenfold Productions and Quinton Jacobs, plus the return of BTGYYZ (Bridge The Gap) hosted by Mike Krupika and Parkdale Road Runners who brought some 400 runners from 40 crews in 8 countries to TCS Toronto Waterfront. This year’s Canadian-race-record 22 Cheer Sites on the course personified COMMUNITY.

All of this underscored the fact that we can’t build community through running on our own. You are the stars, the talent, the SHOW. AND WE ARE BACK. It took 50,000 of us TOGETHER to make it happen.   

You’ve left us breathless! But now it’s time to pause, catch our breath, rest and recover. 2023 is just over that next hill, brimming with challenges and accomplishments. But for this moment we pause to say THANK YOU. Together you make our community, our country our world a better place. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

Dec 13 2022
0

JOIN ALAN FOR A WONDERFUL WINTER GETAWAY TO THE GUADALAJARA HALF MARATHON.

By | Alan's Journal | No Comments

21KGDL. 26 February 2023.

“Please join me for some beautiful warm weather and a great race in my favourite Mexican city. It’s México auténtico!”

HIGHLIGHTS

  • One of the best half marathons in all of Latin America in Mexico’s most beautiful city.
  • Home of mariachi, tequila, art, architecture & culture. Great street food, restaurants, coffee shops & markets.
  • A city for running where Mayor Pablo Lemus runs the race (he ran 2022 as a guide for a blind runner)
  • Only a short onward flight or 5 hours on the Executive bus to Puerto Vallarta and Pacific sunsets. ETN bus or Primera Plus lines (about CAD$50 fare). And a marvellous, scenic ride through the mountains to the coast.
  • Or take the day excursion on the Tequila Train to the Jose Cuervo distillery.
  • Plus Tlaquepaque, or Ajijic day trips.

REGISTER ONLINE [INSCRÍBITE AQUÍ]

(Email Alan if it’s a challenge!) Cost: 250 pesos or CAD$20)

HOW TO GET THERE

At least 3 options. YOUR choice!

  • YYZ or YUL to Houston (IAH) then GDL. Easiest. Cheapest
  • YYZ or YUL to MEX Mexico City, then onto GDL
  • YYZ or YUL to Puerto Vallarta for some days on the beach before and after the long weekend in Guadalajara (see bus recommendations above)

WHERE TO STAY

Fiesta Americana La Minerva. Excellent, 4-star hotel with great breakfasts, plus Starbucks just across the street. Right on top of the Start/Finish line! ONLY C$129/night for an Executive King or Executive Double room.

BOOK DIRECT IN ENGLISH HERE 

OR recommended Airbnbs in the Colonia Americana neighbourhood

WEATHER

The perfect month to visit. Cool in the mornings for running at the 1600m altitude; beautiful, warm sunshine in the afternoons. 5c to 7c overnight lows; 25c to 27c highs in the afternoons. Don’t forget your sunscreen and cap!

THE RACE

HOW TO GET AROUND

¿No hablas español? No hay problema con UBER. Use your UBER app and book your rides in English anywhere around town – know where you’re going and how much it costs.

MiBici. Guadalajara’s City bike rental network. Really excellent with proper, safe separated bike lanes!

THINGS TO DO

  • Best park to run in: Parque Metropolitano (take an Uber or MiBici to the Torre Amarillo orTorre Rojo)
  • El Centro: “Guadalajara: Capital of Culture” is a MUST!
  • Palacio de Gobierno & José Clemente Orozco’s 2ajestic murals
  • Catedral de Guadalajara
  • Instituto Cultural Cabañas
  • Palacio Legislativo
  • Mercado San Juan de Dios

Check Country Collectors’ video for more information.

INTERESTED? HAVE QUESTIONS? Ask Alan.

Nov 16 2022
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Under Armour to become title partner of the Toronto 10K

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Under Armour to become title partner of the Toronto 10K

(formerly known as the Toronto Waterfront 10K)

November 16, 2022, TORONTO – Canada Running Series (CRS) is delighted to announce that Under Armour will be taking over the title partnership of the Under Armour Toronto 10K (formerly the Toronto Waterfront 10K). In addition, Under Armour will continue its title partnership of the Under Armour Eastside 10K in Vancouver. Under Armour will outfit volunteers, event staff and the pacer program with footwear and apparel. As part of the partnership, MapMyRun™ will provide Under Armour Toronto 10K and Under Armour Eastside 10K participants with access to leading strength, training and stretching programs ahead of each race.

“We are thrilled to welcome Under Armour to the title sponsor position of the Under Armour Toronto 10K. Through the Under Armour Eastside 10K, the brand has been empowering athletes in Vancouver since 2017,” says Charlotte Brookes, National Event Director at Canada Running Series. “We can’t wait for Under Armour to bring its product innovation to Toronto’s picturesque waterfront and introduce exciting new energy to the Under Armour Toronto 10K.”

Charitable partner:

As part of Under Armour’s commitment to providing youth access to sport, all fundraising at the Under Armour Toronto 10K will go towards KidSport Toronto. KidSport supports children who need financial assistance with sport registration fees and equipment costs.

“Under Armour believes everyone deserves the opportunity to engage in sports. That’s why, earlier this year, we made a long-term commitment of our resources, focus and energy to help break down barriers that limit access to sports across the globe, says Flynn Burch, Director of Global Community Impact at Under Armour. “Recognizing cost as one of the greatest barriers around the globe and specifically impacting 1 in 3 youth in Canada, we were impressed by the work of KidSport and excited to partner to provide more opportunities for young people in sports across the country.”

Registration:

Registration for the 2023 Under Armour Toronto 10K will open on Tuesday, November 22nd, with the race taking place on Saturday, June 17th. The 2023 Under Armour Eastside 10K is scheduled for September, and registration will be opening on December 6th.

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

For more information on Under Armour, please visit: underarmour.ca

For more information on KidSport, please visit: www.kidsportcanada.ca