Running with Ausome Kids

Article and Photos by: Alexa Johnson

Ausome Ottawa Run Club Co-Captains Ruby, Jack and Eli (pictured from left to right) are serious about getting ready for Ottawa Race Weekend. They will be leading Team Ausome in just a few short weeks.

In preparation for the big day, Ausome Ottawa has re-introduced their Run Club for the second year. This will help prepare children and their families living with autism for the many distances offered at the Ottawa Race Weekend.

Providing direction is Coach Amy, former Dalhousie track and field runner and mother of two. Both of whom participate in Run Club (pictured below with the Co-Captains is Coach Amy and her son William). iRun met up with Coach Amy at the popular fundraising event “Malts for Miles” to ask her a few questions.

iRun: In one sentence how would you describe Ausome Ottawa?

Coach Amy: Ausome Ottawa provides a safe environment for children with autism to be active and have fun!

iRun: Why did you decide to help start the Ausome Run Club?

Coach Amy: I love running and wanted to share that passion with the Ausome kids. For some of the kids, this is the first time they are working on a common goal in a team setting. Running is also a very accessible sport by only requiring a pair of running shoes and Ottawa Race Weekend is a great event with such a positive vibe that Ausome Ottawa wanted to be part of the excitement!

iRun: What distance have you signed up for at Race Weekend?

Coach Amy: I will be doing the 2km race with my family and other members of Team Ausome on Saturday and the half marathon on Sunday.

iRun also met up with Ausome Run Club’s Co-Captains to ask them one very important question, why do they run?

Ruby enjoyed the popsicle stick run (where every lap of the gym provides you with an extra popsicle stick) she says it gets her heart pumping which feels good. Eli likes the spirit and atmosphere at the race. Jack on the other hand enjoys encouraging other people.

Encourage Team Ausome by making a donation or even participating with them! After all, who wouldn’t want to enrich the lives of families living with autism through sport?