Despite the prevailing poor air quality in Toronto, the Run for Women fundraiser took place this Saturday at the Women’s College Hospital.
Runners for the Run for Women marathon at the Women's College Hospital. Photo credit: Jeanine Tajeddine
This past week saw air quality warnings in Toronto due to forest fires in northern Quebec.
Organizers of the Run for Women for Women’s College Hospital kept a close eye on the Environment Canada Air Quality Index and made a definitive announcement to proceed with the event at 6 a.m., just one hour before the run’s scheduled start time of 7 a.m.
“We understand that it is the individual’s responsibility to choose to participate or choose a distance that reflects their abilities and health factors, and we encourage all participants to make the decision that is right for them,” said their Instagram post.
This last-minute decision kept runners on their toes.
For participant Mariam Gailan, the 6 a.m. update seemed too last minute.
“I understand why the late update, but an hour before?” Gailan said. “I wonder how many people missed the race because of it.”
As of 6 a.m. Saturday, according to the Environment Canada Air Quality Index, Toronto faced moderate risks. After a week of Toronto’s quality index nearing the high-risk category, many runners were concerned.
Gailan also shared concern for her and her family’s health before the start of the race.
“We’ve been looking forward to this for a long time, so, of course, we wouldn’t miss this,” said Gailan. “We thought for sure it would get postponed till, you know, everything cleared up properly, but I guess not. They said that Environment Canada said outdoor activities are OK today, but I think a run isn’t a normal outdoor activity.”
CHUM 104.5 evening host Ruby Carr hosted the Run for Women event, and kicked things off with a playful advisory.
Ruby Carr speaking to Run for Women runners before the race starts at the Women's College Hospital. Photo credit: Jeanine Tajeddine
“I hope you guys are feeling as good as I am about this day, I mean – after the week that we’ve had I think we all needed this this morning,” Carr said. “As for the air quality, you know how you feel so just trust yourself this morning. If you get out running and you’re not feeling so great that’s OK. You are here, and you made a difference and we appreciate it. So you don’t need to finish the race if you can’t, just trust yourself, listen to yourself, and stay hydrated today!”
Before the race, guest speakers took the stage to thank the crowd for their participation and highlighted their role in raising awareness for women’s mental health programs in Canada.
A group photo at the Women's College Hospital before the start of the race. Photo credit: Jeanine Tajeddine
A participant in the run, Krista Field, shared concerns before the start of the race.
“I see this a very diverse crowd, it’s not just like 20 years olds, so I just hope the older runners are taking proper precautions,” said Field. “If things were normal, and Toronto didn’t smell like a campfire all week, I wouldn’t be worried.”