We asked iRun Nation to express their gratitude to the runners in their universe who give more than they take. These are the people organizing brunch after long runs, encouraging you to sign up for a destination race and reminding you that you can do it, that you can bang out one more rep or do something that you never thought you could do.
New Balance, believing running is a solo endeavour but also a community sport, is outfitting the runners across Canada who more than 100 of you praised for their generous ways. We appreciate every response and please know that each one of your stories was treasured, not only read.
These are the stories which most resonated with iRun’s editors. These are the athletes that will be featured in the fall print issue of iRun. We thank New Balance for shouting out these tremendous people. It’s because of great people in our communities that our sport continues, and always will be, great.
Tim Coombs, Manitoba. “Took a hard time for him personally to turn outwards.”
“Keep working your hardest, believe in yourself and the results will come! Trust me it works,” says Tim Coombs. In nominating this stellar athlete, the programming director of the Manitoba Marathon and host of Women’s Run podcast, wrote this.
“I just think it’s such a lovely thing that he took a really hard time for him personally to turn outwards and find as many ways to reach out and amplify runners all over the province. He was out tonight for a beer run we put on and for real almost every course marshal and most of the runners he passed all knew him by name. He’s awesome and really loves his run community. Really a stellar dude.”
Kenia Sousa, Waterloo. “She got me to the finish line with her positivity.”
Kenia received many nominees from her teammates. All who praised her generous ways.
“I love how she brings her two kids along as well so she is passing on a positive community spirit to the next generation. She’s a repeat volunteer at many events and, on a personal note, at the Around the Bay road race this year, she got me to the finish line with her positivity (see photo above). Kenia is an amazing person and truly a positive influence in our group and the community at large.”
We liked Kenia after reading that letter. But then this letter came in which made us smile. “Kenia Sousa is not only an amazing runner (both road and trail, plus triathlon newbie), but also as a positive community champion. Her leadership sets such a great example to our team and she was the first person to congratulate me when I crossed the finish line in NYC. She’s not only one of my biggest fans, she is always there for the over 120 teammates we have. Her love for our community is demonstrated through her smile and actions, and me and our whole team would love to see her and her family recognized for their dedication to the Waterloo Region Running Community. They truly make a difference in our community and we are very fortunate to have her as a teammate.”
Jonathan Foweraker, Victoria. “It’s all about community working together, supporting each other and standing on each other’s shoulders to enable everyone to be the best that they can be.”
Frontrunners in Victoria has a tight-knit community that’s also open to runners of all levels. They meet runners where they’re at and Nick Walker, a co-partner at one of Canada’s best independent run shops raved about John. We asked him what community means to him.
“I’m involved with the start/finish line for the Royal Victoria Marathon and the Oak Bay Half Marathon. The emotions when you see 5,000 runners setting off past you on their marathon or half-marathon journey are amazing—especially when you see people you know running past you with a happy smile and a wave. To see those same runners cross the finish line, with a first finish, a personal best, or conquering their own goals is inspirational and encourages me to keep on giving. Continuing to provide a safe, supportive, and happy environment for runners of all ages and abilities is a great motivator. For me it is about giving back, of using my experience and talents to help others, and to be, in my own small way, an inspiration for others gives so much meaning to what I do.”
Lisa Sun, North York, Ontario.
Lisa Sun received six separate nominations. “She brings a positive light to the sport,” explained Bridget King. Maryanne Jeganathan said, “There have been so many events that I have been privileged to enter because of encouragement from Lisa. She’s an inspiration to me and s
In five years, We Run North York has become one of Canada’s largest run clubs and Lisa Sun works tirelessly to promote the health and wellbeing of her running peers. “Lisa inspires me to continue running,” said Jean-Marie Chan Kin. “Thanks to her, I signed up for the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon with the goal of running sub-five hours to qualify for the Two Oceans Marathon (56 km race) in South Africa. Lisa’s organizing this trip, and I’m excited to return to training with this challenging goal.”
Every community has that one team leader who brings out the best in their crew. Lisa exemplifies how running is a solo endeavour, yet also a community sport. We appreciate everyone who nominated runners in their crew for our iRun and New Balance Run Your Way program. Bring out the best in your fellow runners. And these people will also bring out the best in you. Please join us, and New Balance, in giving these runners the round of applause they deserve.
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