The first half marathon for the Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run is planned for this fall in Orillia and organizers say now is the time to start training.
Hamilton Parole and Probation area manager Kimberley Ridgers was recently at OPP Headquarters in Orillia to promote the new signature event for Special Olympics Ontario along with her colleague Sarah Dereski.
Ridgers has been the provincial coordinator for Corrections involvement with the Torch Run for the last three years and has participated in Torch Runs for about ten years.
She loves supporting the athletes and invites everyone to participate in the new marathon on October 16.
"We're trying to get anyone who wants to run," explains Ridgers. "We've got a half marathon distance for our more serious runners and we've got a 3 km route for friends, families and Special Olympics athletes to get involved in. It's not just for the law enforcement community. It's for any runners to come out and join us in a community run."
Ridgers says the Torch Run usually has a lot of small community runs and the large half marathon event is aimed at bringing people together from all over the province.
Barrie Police, the OPP, Sault Ste. Marie Police, Probation and Parole, Greater Sudbury Police and Correctional Services Canada all partnered with MultiSport Canada to plan the logistics of the run which is expected to incorporate the large driveway at the front of OPP Headquarters.
Organizers hope to have one thousand people turn out for the inaugural run.
"I always aim big," Ridgers said. "This will be year one and we're hoping to have many years to come and so we're looking for about a thousand between the two different distances and those supporters that come out to cheer on your friends"
Probation and Parole Officer Dereski is helping organize the half marathon and recruiting runners.
"It's a fantastic event. A lot of fun and a way to get to know people in the community as well as supporting the athletes," said Dereski. "Their faces light up when they get to participate in sport and being able to help and raise money and awareness is definitely a positive."
The fundraising goal is about $25,000 which will go directly to the athletes to help them participate in sports.
For more information visit www.guardiansoftheflameendurance.com.
