Thousands of runners participated in a chilly 10-kilometre run through parts of Toronto on Sunday to help to send children with cancer to a summer camp.
According to organizers, about 27,000 people entered the Mother’s Day race, which raises funds and awareness for Camp Oochigeas.
Runners had to contend with dreary weather, as the temperature lingered a few degrees above the freezing mark when the race began at 8 a.m.
The 10-kilometre course began on Yonge Street near Eglinton Avenue and finished on Fort York Boulevard near Bathurst Street.
For runner Joanne Collins, the annual event is significant for her family.
Collins’ son Stefan, who was diagnosed with leukemia in 2008, attends Camp Oochigeas during the summer and takes part in its activities in Toronto.
“Without Camp Ooch these kids have nothing,” Collins told CP24 reporter Jackie Crandles before the race. “They need Camp Ooch, they need everyone’s support, they need all the money that we can provide. There’s no government funding. It’s all coming from the public.”
With a time of 30:19, Johana Kariankei of Kenya was the first man to cross the finish line. At 35:58, Toronto resident Sasha Gollish was the first woman to cross the finish line.
CP24 is a media sponsor of the Sporting Life 10K.
With files from CP24 reporter Jackie Crandles.
@ChrisKitching is on Twitter. For instant breaking news, follow @CP24 on Twitter.
