The 12th year of the 9runrun race day is less than two weeks away taking place on October 16. The annual race has raised over $200,000 for mental health to support the Ottawa First Responders’ Foundation. Participants and donors will again be supporting first responders this year. The demands on members of the police, fire and paramedics family has been higher in the past 18 months – for this reason our first responders need our support.
Last year the 9runrun race was held virtually due to COVID. For 2021, the 9runrun will be held both virtually and in-person. The 10k race is being held in-person in Stittsville at the usual start line on Abbott Street. The half-marathon, 5k, 2k and the Tri-Service Virtual 5k Challenge are taking place virtually. To date, 950 runners have registered for this year’s 9runrun Race.
Brenda Tirrell, the Race Director and Founder of the 9runrun, told Stittsville Central, “This event is a year-long endeavour to organize and I am always ecstatic to see the participants lined up at the race start line, more so this year.”
“I am so pleased to say that for 11 years Bushtukah has been a sponsor of the race and again this year they continue to support us. Race kits will also be picked up from Bushtukah at 5607 Hazeldean Road in Stittsville. Kits will be available for pick-up from 10am until 6pm on October 14 and 15. For those participating virtually, race kits will be mailed to each person,” said Brenda. “I did want to mention that we have been having difficulty with the supply of tee-shirts and have had to reach out to various suppliers. We purchased all that we could in Canada, so you may notice that some of the tees are light blue and some white,” added Brenda.
One of the events looked forward to every year is the Chief’s Chili Cook-Off, but due to health regulations the cook-off is not able to take place. You can count on Sophie and Jeff from Pure Country94 will be on-hand to see participants off at the start line. Councillor Glen Gower will also be present at the start-line. The Station 81 volunteer firefighters and truck will again raise the Canada flag over the start line. A highlight of every race.
Stittsville’s own Tim Burns will be providing entertainment during the day. He will also bringing along his most recent CD to sell and is donating a portion of proceeds to 9runrun. Support this local musician and 9runrun by purchasing his music.
9runrun will again be supporting the Stittsville Food Bank and ask participants and residents to donate a non-perishable item or two to the donation box. This year and for the first time, Paramedic Logan Martin will be collecting winter coats at the race to distribute to residents needing them during the cold winter months. Boxes will be set-up to accept the coat donations.
“Ian Fraser is the Race Director for the Run Ottawa-Tamarack Race Weekend held every year and has partnered with us at 9runrun this year. Ian is helping to take the 9runrun race Canada-wide – this is something I have wanted and tried to do for years. We are so fortunate to be working in partnership with Ian to bring the race and the message to communities across Canada,” exclaimed an enthusiastic Brenda.
In past years, the race has had to close some of our roadways. This year only Abbott Street will be closed in both directions from Stittsville Main Street to Westridge Drive from 7:00am until 1:00pm. Ottawa Police will be directing traffic at Abbott and Westridge.
Come out and cheer on the 10k participants as they head out from Abbott Street to the Trans Canada Trail on October 16th. As Brenda says, ” Please join us at Stittsville’s tribute to those who respond when we call.”
Should you have any questions or require further information, please email 9runrun@runottawa.ca or visit the 9runrun website.