Now entering its 11th year, 9RUNRUN (www.9runrun.ca) has become one of the National Capital Region’s most special running events.
9RUNRUN was started as a way to show support for the region’s Emergency Services’ personnel, while encouraging health and fitness in the community.
After a decade, 9runrun’s Race Director and Firefighter, Brenda Tirrell formed the Ottawa First Responders Foundation (www.ottawafrf.ca) with a vision of supporting mental health in First Responders, as well as their families, retirees and veterans. The foundation was launched in July, 2019 and has already garnered many supporters. With the launch of our clinician support program on July 2nd, 2020, the Foundation will begin funding the services received for clinical mental help of approved applicants. These are exciting times!
Having made some strides, we are still cognizant that 2020 has been particularly challenging for first responders and their families, so we are looking for ways to increase participation in this year’s 9runrun to increase awareness and raise funds for the mental health of first responders.
Inspired by the recent Special Constable Challenge across Canada, we’d like to issue a challenge to Police, Fire and Paramedic Services to do a 5k run in teams. We also encourage these groups in turn, to challenge members of other halls, bays or precincts to do the same. It is an opportunity to connect everyone, while maintaining physical distancing and having some fun along the way!
How will it work?
A team must register that has at least one member who is an active or retired tri-service member.
Once they are registered, they may issue a challenge directly or via social media (using hashtag #triservice5k and #9runrun) to another group of first responders. That team may then accept or decline the invitation.
Along with all the swag sent from 9runrun, including:
- T-shirt for each team member
- Finisher’s medals
- Custom race bibs
- Finisher’s Line Tape
There will also be special prizes for the following teams:
- Fastest combined team. Timing through Sportstat
- Most money fundraised
- Most creative run (giving first responders a chance to really get in the spirit, dress up and use some eccentric props! This is a great goal for teams with slower moving members and those running with children)
We sincerely hope that you will inform your members and encourage them to participate in the 9runrun – Tri-Service 5K Challenge in support of First Responder Mental Health.
Register here. https://raceroster.com/events/2020/27712/9runrun-2020
Thank you,
Brenda Tirrell
President – Ottawa First Responders Foundation
Race Director – 9runrun