Race Report: Toronto Challenge
The Toronto Challenge is a fundraising run that supports non-profits serving seniors in our city. It's an annual event with a 23-year history -- quite impressive!
Even more impressive is the diversity and sheer commitment of the participants, who take part in either a 5 km run, a 5 km walk or a 1 km walk. This year, the oldest walker was 104 years old, the oldest runner 83. Their dedication is inspiring!
I ran as part of team Dixon Hall - Mid-Toronto Community Services. We're an agency serving the young and the young-at-heart in the downtown core, with a catchment area that focuses primarily on St. Jamestown and Regent Park.
Taking place the day after the Binbrook duathlon, I felt pleasantly surprised that my legs were in fine form. The morning started off sunny but just before we started, the clouds started rolling in and the temperature dropped noticeably. I took off relatively close to the lead pack and quickly picked up speed to give myself a little elbow room. I maintained the pace - much faster than usual - all the way up University and across Grosvenor to Bay and then south again. After running in the humid heat and on grass and trails at Binbrook, I really appreciated the smooth pavement and cool air on this course (neither of which are a guarantee in downtown Toronto!)
I recall two very young boys, barely taller than my waist, simply flying down Bay Street. They took cups of water at an aid station, sipped a little, and then dunked them on their heads -- just like pros. I suspect we'll see more from them in the future.
At about 4 km, I looked at my watch and realized I was on track to smash my PB. I crossed the finish line at 18:31, two minutes faster than I've ever run this distance. That was good enough for 23rd place and first in my age group, both unexpected and pleasant accomplishments. I didn't even realize they awarded medals for this event, as I thought it focused on the cause.
Speaking of which, the biggest accomplishment is that the city expects that the event raised around $500,000. That will make a big difference in the lives of Toronto's seniors. Congratulations to all of the fundraisers and participants from all of the agencies.
Even more impressive is the diversity and sheer commitment of the participants, who take part in either a 5 km run, a 5 km walk or a 1 km walk. This year, the oldest walker was 104 years old, the oldest runner 83. Their dedication is inspiring!
I ran as part of team Dixon Hall - Mid-Toronto Community Services. We're an agency serving the young and the young-at-heart in the downtown core, with a catchment area that focuses primarily on St. Jamestown and Regent Park.
Taking place the day after the Binbrook duathlon, I felt pleasantly surprised that my legs were in fine form. The morning started off sunny but just before we started, the clouds started rolling in and the temperature dropped noticeably. I took off relatively close to the lead pack and quickly picked up speed to give myself a little elbow room. I maintained the pace - much faster than usual - all the way up University and across Grosvenor to Bay and then south again. After running in the humid heat and on grass and trails at Binbrook, I really appreciated the smooth pavement and cool air on this course (neither of which are a guarantee in downtown Toronto!)
I recall two very young boys, barely taller than my waist, simply flying down Bay Street. They took cups of water at an aid station, sipped a little, and then dunked them on their heads -- just like pros. I suspect we'll see more from them in the future.
At about 4 km, I looked at my watch and realized I was on track to smash my PB. I crossed the finish line at 18:31, two minutes faster than I've ever run this distance. That was good enough for 23rd place and first in my age group, both unexpected and pleasant accomplishments. I didn't even realize they awarded medals for this event, as I thought it focused on the cause.
Speaking of which, the biggest accomplishment is that the city expects that the event raised around $500,000. That will make a big difference in the lives of Toronto's seniors. Congratulations to all of the fundraisers and participants from all of the agencies.
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