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iRun because I want to be a role model for our six kids Catherine Empey, British Columbia

iRun because it's cheaper than therapy Leah Boulter, Alberta

iRun because I learn more about who I am with every kmSteph Mansell, Quebec

iRun because I want to live to be 100! Colette DeJean, Ontario

iRun to get to know myself, my strength and my spirit Lisa Groulx, Ontario

iRun because it’s better than almost everything else Nathan Carey, Ontario

iRun for me! Judi Wearing, Saskatchewan

iRun so my daughters know that they can, too Shelley Kirkpatrick, New Brunswick

iRun for the fresh air and adrenalin Charlyn McGregor, Saskatchewan

iRun to inspire my children! Wendy Bowen, Manitoba

iRun because it’s fun when it’s done Sue Matte, Ontario

iRun because endorphins are free Cassandra Chouinard, Ontario

iRun to stay ahead of the weight gainMyra Abstreiter, Alberta

iRun because walking is too slow Barry Knapp, Ontario

iRun because I can’t dance Mario Javier, Ontario

iRun for overall wellbeingTrish McCourt, Halifax, NS

iRun because when I run I feel most aliveMeghan Lynch, Ottawa, ON

iRun to challenge my mind, body and soul Sonia Mendes, Ontario

iRun so that I can live longer and stronger Derek MacPhail, Ontario

iRun because somebody once told me I couldn’t Heidi Abbey-Der, Saskatchewan

iRun because it gets my husband out there Tricia LaLonde, Alberta

iRun to prove to them that iCan Catherine Smith, Manitoba

iRun to kickstart my day Sharon Strueby, Saskatchewan

iRun to prove to myself I canLesley McGougan, Brampton, ON

iRun for the moment when both feet are off the ground Catherine Anderson, British Columbia

iRun slowly!Jason Hoffman, Manitoba

iRun because it makes me a better person, a better wife, a better mother and a better friendNathalie Joncas-Caissie, St-Antoine, NB

iRun because it gives me freedom to relax my brain Marie-Claude Gregoire, Nova Scotia

iRun at 50 years old because at 43 I couldn't Peter Cicalo, Ontario

iRun to challenge myself, physically and mentallyKathleen Keenan, Brampton, ON

iRun because iEat Sherry Maligaspe, British Columbia

iRun for relaxation and to motivate my two sons Keith Bradbury, Newfoundland

iRun to challenge my perceived limitations Cassandra Williams, Ontario

iRun because I want to qualify for Boston and raise money for charities near and dear to my heartChristine Gracel, Calgary, AB

iRun at 50 years old because at 43 I couldn’t Peter Cicalo, Ontario

iRun because I liveGeorges Schneller, Laval, QC

iRun and run, and run, and run, and nobody can stop me Andrei Lucaciu, Ontario

iRun because it makes me feel powerful Sarah Kallaghan, Alberta

iRun because my heart tells me to William Martin, Manitoba

iRun because it is my tonic and my salvation Georgia Ioannou, British Columbia

iRun for the challenge and to remember to fully live Pascale Synnott, Québec

iRun to correct years of sedentary living! Mike Scott, Ontario

iRun because iEat Sherry Maligaspe, British Columbia

iRun to feel great Kathryn Rachar, Saskatchewan

iRun because I love the solitude Janene Tailleur, British Columbia

iRun because I like to be healthy Melanie Oickle, New Brunswick

iRun because pecan pie, french fries and beer are chasing meTeresa Sterling, Ottawa , ON

iRun see where my feet will take me todayMegan Dolinskas, New York

iRun because it reminds me that I am capable of so much more than I have doneJames Sauve, Ottawa, ON

iRun because it is my tonic and my salvation Georgia Ioannou, British Columbia

iRun because it helps me see things more clearly Jennifer Pitts, Ontario

iRun because couch potatoes die young Cathy Andrew, Ontario

iRun for meKiza Francis, Ottawa,ON

iRun because I never thought I would be able toGary Morris, Winnipeg, MB

iRun to inspire my kids to tryGlen Johnston, Nunavut

iRun so I can eat ice cream Sandy Bolan, Ontario

iRun because it sure beats the bus Robin Robbins, Alberta

iRun for the challenge to go faster and farther Steven Matejka, Alberta

iRun because it’s in meMichael Foley, Stittsville, ON

iRun away from the abyss Charlene Thomas, Ontario

iRun whenever I feel the need to escape Iona Hillis, Ontario

iRun because not everyone can Olivia Harvey, New Brunswick

iRun because it's better than almost everything else Nathan Carey, Ontario

iRun because there is no finish line Claire Kilgour, Ontario

iRun to satisfy the irresistible urge Tim Nixon, British Columbia

iRun because I love the sense of accomplishment Amber Moase, Nova Scotia

iRun because I need it to soothe the soul, keep me in shape and for overall wellbeingBeth Neil, Lombardy, ON

iRun all the livelong day Pierre Saint-Laurent, Québec

iRun because running is like breathing to Stephanie McEvoy, Ontario

iRun because I cannot say no to a second slice of chocolate cakeEmily Shandruk, Vancouver, BC

iRun because it’s like flying, only lower Glenn Johnson, Ontario

iRun therefore I amDuncan Walsh, Nottingham, UK

iRun because it reminds me of how strong I can be Monique Lavoie, Ontario

iRun because food tastes better afterwards Patrick Houston, Alberta

iRun because it's a great stress release Brooke McKenzie, Yukon

iRun because somebody once told me I couldn't Heidi Abbey-Der, Saskatchewan

iRun for health, i Run for life Pat Cheung, British Columbia

iRun to stay fit and release those running endorphinsLiliana Plava, Calgary, AB

iRun to my happy place and some days it’s very Doreen May, Alberta

iRun because I can and I’m gratefulTerry SanCartier, Gatineau, QC

iRun because otherwise I’m grumpy Alexandre Charest, Quebec

iRun because all the ladies are chasing my sexy runner’s bodyChris Baker, Etobicoke, ON

iRun because I learn more about who I am with every km Steph Mansell, Quebec

iRun slowly! Jason Hoffman, Manitoba

iRun because I am not as clumsy I thought I was Hanna Baer, Quebec

iRun because it makes me whole Denis Ladouceur, Quebec

iRun because it makes me feel good, allows me to spend time with my friends and gives me a feeling of accomplishmentHelen Kolodziejzyk, Calgary, AB

iRun but not enoughMichael Shaw, New Westminister, BC

iRun to eat Maureen Tritscher, Alberta

iRun for the individual pursuit Robert Pelletier, New Brunswick

iRun because I like buying running clothes Pamela Blaikie, Ontario

iRun because I like buying running clothes Pamela Blaikie, Ontario

iRun because couch potatoes die young Cathy Andrew, Ontario

iRun because the wall is meant to be broken Jonathan Bird, Ontario

iRun because endorphins are freeCassandra Chouinard, Ontario

iRun to maintain a strong physical and mental state Tammy Rainville, Ontario

iRun to be free and enjoy our beautiful countryCheryl Carter, Clearwater , BC

iRun so I don’t say never ever again Linda Klaric, Manitoba

iRun because it’s a great way to see the world Sherry Mahoney, British Columbia

iRun because it makes me feel powerfulCarlene Paquette, Carp, ON

iRun because it’s cheaper than therapy Leah Boulter, Alberta

iRun away from the negative and towards the positive Teri Lepard, Alberta

iRun for the cool t-shirts! Pina Bevilacqua, Ontario

iRun because of the peace and strength it brings meMichelle Jordan, Ottawa, ON

iRun to eat more, especially sweet potatoe fries Joanna Skomra, Ontario

iRun because i love to Mirella Petriello, Ontario

iRun to unleash my inner athleteAdelle Densham, Avonmore, ON

iRun because people around me inspire mePina Bevilacqua, Caledon, ON

iRun because it cleans up my life, because I drink more water, sleep better and eat healthier foodsRobin McIntyre, Ottawa, ON

iRun because iLoves my man Beverly Huang, Alberta

iRun because I’ve lost 80 lbs and running has become fun Cheryl Kelly, Ontario

iRun for my heart, so it runs for me! Cathy Brzoza, British Columbia

iRun because it gives me freedom to relax my brainMarie-Claude Gregoire, Nova Scotia

iRun to someday win the race Lindy Dunlop, Yukon

iRun for relaxation and to motivate my two sonsKeith Bradbury, Newfoundland

iRun because I get foot rubs afterward Kate Howerton, British Columbia

iRun because it has saved my life John Marshall, Alberta

iRun because it gives my day a boost of energy Sara Campbell, Nova Scotia

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February 2012

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Canadian Women: A Running History in Brief

To celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8th, we’ve highlighted a few of the many significant events in women’s running in Canada.


While great strides have been made in the sport, the history of women’s running in Canada is relatively short. And recent events demonstrate that the race for equality, opportunity and recognition is far from over.


1920
Women get the right to run for election to the House of Commons but won’t be allowed to run in the Olympics for another eight years.

1928
Three women’s track events are added on a trial basis to the Summer Olympics in Amsterdam: 100m, 800m, and 4 x 100m relay. Canadians Ethel Smith, Bobbie Rosenfeld, Myrtle Cook, and Florence Jane Bell set a world record and take gold in the relay. Erna Steinberg wins bronze in the 100m. And Jenny Thompson and Bobbie Rosenfeld place 4th and 5th in the 800m. The 800m is dropped until 1960 due to the “exhausted condition of the women” at the end.

1967
Just 16 days after Katherine Switzer becomes the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon by registering under “K. V. Switzer,” 13-year-old Maureen Wilton (now Maureen Mancuso) of Toronto is the fastest woman to run a marathon, with a time of 3:15:23. When Maureen Wilton was asked if she liked running, she answered: “I’m really not crazy about running. What I really like are The Monkees.’”

1972
Women officially permitted in the Boston Marathon.

1976
15 year old Silvia Ruegger writes a note that says: “September 11, 1976. My goal – to make it to the 1980 Olympics in Moscow and win for Canada.” She hides it under her bedroom floor boards.

1978
Avon introduces its International Running Circuit for women. Over eight years the series put on more than 200 events in 27 countries with over a million participants.

1980
Canadian Jacqueline Gareau, who led the women in the Boston Marathon for most of the race, has to wait a week to be declared the winner after Rosie Ruiz jumps onto the course half a mile from the finish. Gareau’s finish in 2:34:28 is declared a course record, but she will wait 25 years to break the tape in a special ceremony at the 2005 Boston Marathon.

In November, Gareau places second in the second annual Tokyo International Women’s Marathon. Held annually from 1979 until 2008, this is the first women’ marathon recognized by the IAAF.

1981
In August, the Avon International Marathon – now known as the ‘unofficial world championships’ for women – comes to Ottawa. Joan Benoit, who goes on to win the first women’s Olympic Marathon, places second.

In November, Canadian Linda Staudt wins the third annual Tokyo International Women’s Marathon.

1984
On August 5, the first women’s marathon is held at the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Canadian Silvia Ruegger places 8th in a time of 2:29:09.

1985
Silvia Ruegger wins the Houston Marathon and sets a new Canadian Record of 2:28:36.

1988
A women’s 10,000m race is added to the Olympics; Canadians Susan Lee, Nancy Tinari, and Carole Rouillard place 8th, 13th, and 16th, respectively.

2007
The first annual Emilie Mondor Memorial 5K Race for Women is founded by Ken Parker in Ottawa.
2009

Cory Freedman launches the Toronto Women’s Run Series, and Tara and Brad Melville found the Island Girl Running Series on Toronto Island. The events are open to all, but swag is selected with women in mind and there are only awards categories for women.

2010
In June, Charlotte Vasarhelyi becomes the fastest person ever to run the Bruce Trail from end to end in 13 days, 10 hours, 51 minutes.

In July, Ellie Greenwood of Banff places second overall in the 125-mile Canadian Death Race in 13:28:39 – beating the women’s course record by 52 minutes, and the previous men’s course record – making it the second fastest CDR time ever. Denise McHale of Whitehorse finishes third overall.

2011
In August, the International Association of Athletics Federations makes a rule change. According to its website, iaaf.org, “The 48th IAAF Congress in Daegu, Korea, approved that from now on, a Women’s World Record on the Road can no longer be set in a race in which the record setter is competing against men.”

In September, Athletics Canada announces that they will not be applying the rule retroactively to Canadian records, meaning that Silvia Ruegger’s 1985 Canadian marathon record stands.

In November, the IAAF announces it will not be applying the rule retroactively, meaning previous World Records will stand.

2012
Inaugural Niagara Falls Women’s Half Marathon scheduled for June 3.

 
Next issue: June 10, 2013
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