Crichton Community Council awarded $2,000 for best Ottawa Race Weekend Cheering Station
June 16, 2010
Community Spirit Award encourages community participation during Race Weekend
June 16, 2010, OTTAWA – The Crichton Community Council has won the Ottawa Race Weekend’s $2,000 Community Spirit Award for its enthusiasm in cheering on Ottawa Marathon participants on Sunday, May 31st. The Crichton Community Cheering Station was located at 55 Mackay Street in New Edinburgh.
Ottawa Race Weekend started giving out the awards in 2007 to encourage community participation during the Ottawa Marathon. The Crichton Cheering Station has won each year since then. The stations are judged based on loudness, signage, festivities, originality, impact on runners, and number of volunteers.
“This year’s winnings will go towards interior Fieldhouse renewal,” said Joseph Cull, a member of the Crichton Community Council. “Past winnings have allowed us to purchase six tables, 40 chairs, a barbeque, and play structures and to put money towards an outdoor bunker.”
“The wonderful thing about Race Weekend is that it gives us an opportunity to celebrate our city, and to give a positive message back to so many,” said Cull.
The Canadian Forces Cheering Station located on Queen Elizabeth won second place and $1,500. The money will go towards the Military Family Fund and the Soldier On program. The City of Gatineau won $500 for its Cheering Station located on rue Montcalm.
“A lot of people don’t realize the impact of having people lining the course and cheering runners on,” says John Halvorsen, Run Ottawa President and former elite runner. “Having groups like this show their support for the marathon also makes a great impression on the runners coming from outside of Ottawa. It shows how much the city welcomes the event and the participants.
Eight community cheering stations were registered this year, three of which, including the winner, were sponsored by Subway.
Photo opportunity
The three winners will be presented with their cheques at 55 Mackay Street on Wednesday, June 16th, 1:00 p.m.
Links
For more information on the Community Spirit Award: http://www.runottawa.ca/index.php/en/community-involvement
ABOUT THE OTTAWA RACE WEEKEND
The Ottawa Race Weekend, Canada's premier running event, combines competition, participation and fundraising to make a distinctive contribution to the health of the community. The 2010 Ottawa Race Weekend welcomed more than 38,788 participants in seven races, including the Ottawa Marathon. Run Ottawa, the organization behind the Ottawa Race Weekend, is run by a volunteer Board of Directors.
- 30 -
For more information:
Susan Marsh-Marconi
Marketing and Communications Manager
(613) 234-2221
www.runottawa.ca
