Exciting records were smashed at this year’s B&O Yorkville Run, held on September 9th, with almost $510,000 in funds raised to date for local charities, and an unbelievable Canadian 5K Land Record time of 13:56.4 by Ben Flanagan of Ann Arbor, Michigan.
The B&O Yorkville Run is a premier, boutique, 5K race that unites local runners and businesses to raise funds for local charities. The run provides a luxurious experience to its 1,000 participants — from its high-end race kit, to its customized finishers’ medals and après-run hors d’oeuvres served by white-gloved waiters, courtesy of Bloor-Yorkville restaurants.
As a proud Community Partner, the Bloor-Yorkville BIA is happy to announce that since its inception, the B&O Yorkville Run has raised over $1.2 million for various local charities including; Stella’s Place, Sinai Health System, Shelter Movers, Prostate Cancer Canada, Jesse Ketchum Public School, Pancreatic Cancer Canada, Victim Services Toronto, Project Sunshine, Wellspring, Canadian Cancer Society, PAWS, Dress for Success Toronto, Girls E-Mentorship (GEM), Love Puppies – Friends of HSI, Merry Go Round Children’s Foundation, Stand Up For Kids (Children’s Aid Foundation), Teach for Canada, Ostomy Toronto, Assaulted Women’s Helpline, Red Door Family Shelter, and The House. The charities chosen cover a wide range of causes, with the hope to inspire runners to find an organization that truly ignites their passion and motivates them to fundraise.
Further to its fundraising achievements, the B&O Yorkville Run is also known for its strong athleticism. The fast and flat course was recognized by Athletics Canada, the national governing body for track and field, road running and cross country, who designated the race as the inaugural Canadian 5K Road Race Championship. The race attracts local and international athletes to participate, in hopes of a record-breaking time.
Bloor-Yorkville BIA Board Member, Daniel Carman, was drawn to the community event with the intention of getting his fitness back on track, while giving back to charity.
“Two years ago, I realized that between becoming a new father and running a fast-paced business, my personal health was being neglected,” the co-owner of Over The Rainbow said. “The only way to get my fitness back on track was to set a goal, which ended up being able to complete a 5K run in a decent time! Since I like to link life goals to good causes, I chose the B&O Yorkville Run due to my close ties with the Bloor-Yorkville community, the Korenzvit family (founders of the Run), and Rafi Lipner (founder of The House). In 2 years, I have raised over $12,000 for The House and am in the best shape of my life! Special mention to Gordon Milne and the Equinox Run Club for getting me up to speed.”
Carman encourages the Bloor-Yorkville community to get involved. “The B&O Yorkville Run brings in close to 1,000 runners and families to their event every year. Many of the food vendors and fitness trainers are Bloor-Yorkville locals, which spreads awareness for them and encourages people to experience the area after the Run. Coupled with the many charity groups (over $500,000 raised this year), this is an incredible community-based event!”