The Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon is quickly approaching! If you live in the area or are planning to be in town, we invite you to join us on Sunday, October 20th, 2019 to run, sponsor or cheer on our run crew! Even if you aren’t going to be in the Toronto area at that time or are not participating in the race, you can still sponsor a runner here.
We’re thrilled to introduce you to some of the Action Against Hunger runners – the funds they are raising will support lifesaving work in nearly 50 countries. We had the opportunity to chat with three members of our run crew about their motivations and goals.
Tom
In which Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon race will you be participating? 42k, 21k or 5k?
I will be running the 21k.
Is this your first half-marathon? If not, which marathons have you run?
This is my third long-distance run for charity. I participated in the London Marathon (42k) in 2012 for Diabetes UK, and the Sporting Life 10k in Toronto in 2017
How will you prepare yourself for the half-marathon physically and mentally? Do you have a ‘pregame’ routine or ritual before the run?
I’m following a training program averaging 2-3 runs a week to build up my distance from 5k to 21k. Music is crucial to the achievement, as the key aim is to maintain pace. Pregame starts about a week before with carb loading and winding down the distance run in training.
What motivated you to run in the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon for Action Against Hunger?
Action Against Hunger are doing incredible work, and most importantly their goal feels tangible. That’s why I felt it’s important to support their cause at this time. As a personal goal, it’s great to get back into long distance running, and in the city, I’ve lived in for 4 years.
Kate
In which Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon race will you be participating? 42k, 21k, or 5k?
I’ll be doing the 21k.
Is this your first half-marathon? If not, which marathons have you run?
This is not only my first marathon, it’s my first time doing any kind of running in a serious way. So far, so good…
How will you prepare yourself for the half-marathon physically and mentally? Do you have a ‘pregame’ routine or ritual before the run?
To prepare physically, I found a five-month training plan online and I’ve been sticking to it. As for the mental side, I’m hoping that all my runs in bad weather or when I’m not feeling up to it will help me build up some grit for the big day. I’ve been reading that many runners eat lots of pasta on the night before the marathon and I’m already daydreaming about unlimited spaghetti.
What motivated you to run in the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon for Action Against Hunger?
I volunteered with Action Against Hunger at its annual gala and had the chance to learn about the work being done around the world. I’m very happy to help raise money to keep these programs going!
Alister
In which Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon race will you be participating? 42k, 21k, or 5k?
I am doing the Scotiabank half marathon this fall.
Is this your first half-marathon? If not, which marathons have you run?
I ran two marathons back in 2004/2005 in New York, which was amazing! I have done a few half marathons (Ottawa and Toronto), but the last one I participated in must have been 8 or 10 years ago.
How will you prepare yourself for the half-marathon physically and mentally? Do you have a ‘pregame’ routine or ritual before the run?
I am an older guy, so I am trying not to overdo it. I am running once or twice a week to prepare for the marathon, I run from North Toronto down Yonge Street and then run uphill home. The Scotiabank course is a lot flatter than my weekly runs, so I am hoping that it will feel easier!
What motivated you to run in the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon for Action Against Hunger?
My wife and I are big supporters of Action Against hunger, we have been for years. When I decided to run the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront half marathon, my wife mentioned that Action Against Hunger was an official charity. So I emailed a few friends and started a bit of fundraising!
Runners are racing for all sorts of causes this October. What will be yours?
If you live in town or will be visiting the Toronto area on race day, it’s not too late to participate as a runner, sponsor and/or fundraiser – there is still time! You can visit here for more information.
All funds raised will support our lifesaving programs and the hard-working people who are doing their best to make sure no child will suffer from hunger and malnutrition.
Race day is Sunday, October 20th, 2019. Race lengths are 42k, 21k or 5k.
Thinking of running or walking? In recognition of your support, you’ll get:
- Discounted registration fees when you use our discount codes to register:
* Marathon/Half Marathon ($80): M19AAH
* 5k ($40): 5K19AAH
* 5k with stroller ($45): 5ST19AAH - An Action Against Hunger technical t-shirt!
- Your name will be featured on the even website.
- Fundraisers get free access to our Toronto Run Club organised by The Phoenix Effect
- Fundraisers who raise more than $500 get registration fees reimbursed!
When community members like you come together, incredible things can happen. You can support Action Against Hunger by:
- Fundraising and participating in the marathon
- Sponsoring a participant in the marathon
- Donating to the organization
All donations are tax deductible, of course.
On behalf of all of us at Action Against hunger, we would like to thank you in advance for our generous support!