Ready. Set. Run (and fundraise with your colleagues)!

2018 marks the second year that Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend is challenging workplaces to a little healthy competition with the Kichesippi Workplace Run-Off. Once workplaces have formed a team and picked a charity all they have to do is train, fundraise and come out during the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend to take part in their race.

The first team to register for this year’s run-off is team RUN SMART. GIVE BIGGAR. from the Ottawa IP and tech law firm Smart and Biggar, which will be raising funds for the ALS Society of Canada.

“Our former managing partner, David Morrow, passed away of ALS in 2013,” says team captain Kuniko Soda. “He was a highly respected lawyer, manager, and an avid athlete all his life. We thought that running for ALS Canada would be a good cause and a good way to show our respect for him.”

Not only is the run-off a way for the Smart and Biggar to give back to the community, it has also brought the firm together. “It’s been exciting meeting our colleagues outside the work environment,” says Kuniko. “We have had a few group runs so far after work and it’s been a great way to get to know more about your colleagues.”

The run-off will also keep teams together after races have finished. All participants will receive a free ticket to an Ottawa Champions Baseball game which they can attend with their team, and the team that raises the most money will win the grand prize: a Kichesippi Beer brewery tour, which includes lunch, beer samples and a mini beer brewing course.

So what are you waiting for? Get to know your colleagues better and give back through the Kichesippi Workplace Run-off.

Want to know more? Watch Kuniko Soda and John Halvorsen’s interview with CTV Ottawa Morning.