A Community that Runs Together Grows Together: The Canada Day Road Races

While Parliament Hill might be first event that comes to mind for Canada Day in Ottawa, the Canada Day Road Races presented by Bushtukah, part of Glenview Homes Canada Day in Kanata, are a great way to get the whole family involved in the celebration, not to mention escape the crowds.

“What really sets the Canada Day Road Races apart is that we have race for all age groups, with a 5K and 10K for more experienced runners, a 1K for kids 12 and under, and the Tot Trot, a 100m race for toddlers,” says Joe DuVall, Operations Manager at Run Ottawa. “We’ve been running this event for 31 years and now we have families where all three generations will run, and in some cases have been running for years.”

The Canada Day Races have made a significant impression on the Kanata community over the last three decades. Though many of the runners come from across Ottawa to take part, it also calls back old members of the community who are returning to the spend the long-weekend with family and reconnect with their neighbours. To make the races more commemorative over the years, Run Ottawa recently added cash and sponsored prizes from Bushtukah for winners of the 5K and 10K, as well as medals for all participants.

“It’s a fun morning, and everyone gets really excited and involved for the kids races,” says DuVall. “You have parents cheering from the sidelines, and kids running, screaming and making faces as they head for the finish line. The Tot Trot especially is a fun event to watch because some of the kids aren’t entirely sure what they are doing. Ask anyone who has been with us a while and they will recall this one moment where a parent stood at the finish line holding out a cheezie to coax their kid across the finish line.”

A family who plays together stays together, and the Canada Day Road Races offer a way to kick the holiday off a boost of energy. It also brings runners into the heart of the a day filled with family activities.

Following the races, the Glenview Homes Canada Day in Kanata celebrations get started with free activities including children’s performances, dancing, music and finish with fireworks.

“With Canadian runners making strides on the international running stage this year, beginning Canada Day 2017 with a race has never seemed more relevant, and I think the community is feeling that too. We are well on our way to hosting our biggest Canada Day Road Races yet with over 2000 participants,” adds DuVall.

Online registration and more information about the Canada Day Road Races presented by Bushtukah.