For 25 years, the Achilles St. Patrick’s Day Run has been a convention on Toronto’s working calendar. This Irish-themed occasion, providing each 5K and 10K races, has supplied runners with a possibility to have a good time St. Patrick’s Day in a enjoyable and energetic method, all whereas supporting a noble trigger. Now, because the occasion marks its milestone anniversary, it’s making a transfer to a brand-new location: the Don Valley Brick Works.
“The previous 24 years have been unforgettable, however we felt it was time for a change,” says race director and president of Achilles Worldwide Canada, Brian McLean. “This transfer opens up new prospects for our occasion, permitting us to accommodate extra runners and create a visitors and construction-free route.”
The St. Patrick’s Day Run is organized by Achilles Worldwide Canada, a non-profit group devoted to empowering these with disabilities via working. Beneath McLean’s management, the occasion has grown in dimension and significance. Final yr, the race raised almost $30,000 for Achilles athletes.
The choice to relocate got here from a couple of logistical challenges the race confronted on the earlier downtown venue, Steam Whistle Brewery, together with highway closures and building close to Rogers Centre (house of the Toronto Blue Jays). “The Don Valley Brick Works present ample area for the occasion’s development, with the added bonus of a flat and scenic route that guarantees an pleasurable working expertise for all,” says McLean. “This yr, we’re on observe to succeed in our highest attendance but, with over 1,500 runners anticipated to hitch us on March 17.”
Along with a brand new location, the Achilles St. Patrick’s Day Run has a brand new lineup of sponsors, together with Rally Beer Co. by Muskoka Brewery, and naturally, the long-lasting Fortunate Charms cereal (Common Mills). The Fortunate Charms mascot, Fortunate, will take part within the Youngsters 1K and problem Larkin the Leprechaun for all of the gold cash. The occasion additionally maintains its partnership with On, the Swiss working model that helps Achilles Canada’s mission by offering footwear for athletes. “When an Achilles athlete logs 500 kilometres, On graciously donates a brand new pair of trainers,” says McLean. “They’ve additionally continued to help our race financially and can present general winners of the 5K and 10K races with new pairs of On footwear.”
One of many storylines with this yr’s race is the participation of Achilles athlete Radane Wright, an achieved runner who’s visually impaired and who’s aiming for a sub-20-minute 5K. Wright might be guided by one in every of Staff Canada’s high distance runners, Kieran Lumb. “This partnership is a testomony to the inclusive spirit of our occasion,” says McLean. “We’re not simply working for ourselves; we’re working to help one another and make a distinction within the lives of others.”
McLean says all members are inspired to put on inexperienced, as there might be prizes awarded to the best-dressed Irish-themed runners. Spots are nonetheless obtainable for this yr’s Achilles St. Patrick’s Day 5K and 10K on Sunday, March 17. Enroll right here.
