A message from our Executive Director: Tamarack Half Marathon Recap and a BIG Thank You!

Thank you so much for donating to support my run this past Sunday as part of Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend. 

When I first signed up EcoEquitable as a charity partner, I set out to raise $2,000 and was a little scared of getting there. That's why I can't say thank you enough to you: my friends, family, and the Eco community of supporters, for getting us there and BEYOND! We raised a grand total of $3,170.05 💜 WOW!!!!!🥳🥂👏Your generous donation is the reason why we surpassed our fundraising goal and the reason why I had an extra pep in my step - coming in at 1hr48m (a new personal best!)

Having ran the half marathon event last year, I knew the last 2 kilometres are always the most grueling of this race, where you have to run along the canal for what feels like forever, cross a bridge, and double back along the other side of the canal to the finish line. It's around this point, the 18th/19th kilometre that it becomes a mental game. You're still in the thick of it, but you can hear and see others finishing a couple kilometres ahead of you. The pain pit becomes very real. Just as the sun finally started to poke out and bring the heat, and you begin to question why you're doing what you're doing, the race gods answered and a nice lady handed me a purple freezie, which cooled me down and carried me through to the other side of the bridge. The final stretch is always the best part - the crowds are thick and the cheering is loud, and at this point any aches or blisters become a distant memory. As I crossed the finish line, I was met by my amazing co-workers Carolina, Belkis, and Faezeh, and my mom and boyfriend. I feel so lucky to be able to run and to do it for such a meaningful cause, a place my co-workers and I call our second home, and be surrounded by such an awesome support system. Thank you!

Special shout out to Leigh Ellen, our board chair, who nabbed a spot in the 10km race at the last minute and helped us with our final fundraising stretch!!

Thank you again and have a lovely rest of your day,

Julia

PS. If you or someone you know is running at next years event, and wants to join the Eco running squad, send me an email! 

A couple worthy photos attached that I think capture the day, check them out!!