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Bob Thompson / Ottawa, ON

Bob Thompson is our one-of-a-kind 5K coach extraordinaire. He has led 32 consecutive clinics with loads of enthusiasm and grace… well, sometimes when he’s running he’s not that graceful, but he is always full of enthusiasm!

He has brought people from the depths of “Oh, please don’t make me run,” to a point where they are saying “Wow, running is so much fun! I can’t wait to see what Bob has in store for us next!” He is our rock, our inspiration, our mentor, our coach, and most importantly, our friend. Continue reading “Bob Thompson / Ottawa, ON”

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Jonah Istifan / Waterloo, ON

On February 27, 2017, I decided to quit smoking and signed up for a Running Room program called Walk or Run to Quit. The program continues to revolutionize the way people quit smoking while helping them become physically active for life. Since the pilot project began in 2013, hundreds of participants have signed on for the 10-week training program, which assists them in quitting smoking by teaching them to walk and/or run 5K. Continue reading “Jonah Istifan / Waterloo, ON”

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Race Giving

Race: SHOPPERS LOVE. YOU. Run for Women
Amount Raised: $2,300,000

Living with mental health challenges is hard, but we can come together to make a difference. The SHOPPERS LOVE. YOU. Run for Women has helped thousands of women manage the challenges that come with mental health illnesses like depression, bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, and post-partum depression. In 2018, over $2,300,000 was raised nationally and went to support women’s mental health initiatives at local charities across the country. Continue reading “Race Giving”

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Solstice 5K

They came, they ran, they beat the sun! Our first annual Solstice 5K race took place in 19 cities on June 21, the date of the summer solstice. Picture this: you and your fellow runners cross the finish line together, perfectly timed as the sun goes down on the longest day of the year. That, combined with an awesome swag bag ($100 value) and post-race party, has to qualify the Solstice 5K as the race of the summer!

Congratulations to the 2565 participants who joined us for this inaugural race. Continue reading “Solstice 5K”

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Canada Day Run

by Scott Eldridge

On July 1st, over 2300 participants celebrated Canada Day by running and walking in seven different cities: Edmonton, Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, Barrie, Moncton, Charlottetown and St. John’s. All participants received a beautiful red and gold finisher’s medal. Continue reading “Canada Day Run”

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20 Minute Challenge

by Ally Wilson

With over 15,000 runners and walkers participating across Canada and the United States, the 34th annual 20 Minute Challenge was a huge success. Kids, parents, grandparents and dogs (hey, they’re part of the family too!) embraced being active and helped us achieve our goal of getting families moving together. The Stanton family took part in the festivities at Edmonton’s 109 Street location along with a record-breaking number of Run Club members. All participants received a free running cap, so a sea of yellow hats took over the streets. Thanks for celebrating with us and we can’t wait to see you at next year’s 20 Minute Challenge! Continue reading “20 Minute Challenge”

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Book Review: When Running Made History by Roger Robinson

by Margaret Buttner

Fans of running commentator and historian Roger Robinson will not be disappointed with his latest book, When Running Made History (Syracuse University Press, 2018). Part memoir, part chronicle of running events over the past 70 years, Robinson’s account of memorable events such as the 1960 Rome Olympics or the 100th anniversary of the Boston Marathon are brought to life in an extraordinary way. Continue reading “Book Review: When Running Made History by Roger Robinson”