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South Ottawa Race Day gears up to fight brain cancer Second annual event to take place Sept. 29 at Rideau-Carleton Raceway Sabine Gibbins sabine.gibbins@metroland.com
News - When Karen Hill’s good friend was diagnosed with brain cancer, she knew she had to do something to honour her memory. Her friend, Heather Geddie, passed away from Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) shortly after the birth of her third child last July. She had battled the cancer for two years, but her spirit remained positive throughout, said Hill. To keep her memory alive, Geddie’s friends, organized the inaugural South Ottawa Race Day last year, running in honour of their friend and raising $100,000 for brain cancer research. This year, the event takes place on Sept. 29 and is destined to become even bigger and better, she said. Starting and finishing in the oval at Rideau Carleton Raceway, and winding its way through the Ottawa South countryside, the race allows runners the opportunity to see the natural beauty the south has to offer, while raising money for a great cause, Hill said. “For a variety of different reasons, we all wanted to do something for the community, and something for her,� she said. Running events like this one gets people outdoors and is a good way to build community. “It’s becoming such a great trend,� Hill said of running. “It’s nice to see how many people will come out to support a great cause.� REMEMBERING FILE
The team will also be running in memory of a young girl who passed away from a brain tumour earlier this year. The youngster, Chase NolanDowns, was a friend of Hill’s daughter, and whose family was heavily invested in last year’s race, jumping on board as a title sponsor of the event. They’ll be back again this year, she said. Saddened, the community was stunned at how close to home the
South Ottawa Race Day will take place on Sept. 29 at the Rideau-Carleton Raceway in honour of those in the community who have passed away from brain cancer. Proceeds from the event go towards finding a cure for the disease. news was, and before long, the neighbourhood rallied around the family. “It just goes to show you how many people it can affect,� said Hill. “Brain cancer chose us; we didn’t choose it.� The first year introduced the team to many individuals and families who were also facing brain cancer,
said Hill, and in lead-up to the event, fundraising events were held. Last year, proceeds from the race went to Dr. Ian Lorimer, who is an internationally recognized researcher in glioblastoma. Other proceeds went to the clinical trials office at the Ottawa Hospital. In its inaugural year, the race day exceeded all expectations.
Last year’s event saw 1,000 participants lace up their runners. This year, said Hill, they wish to attract 3,000. “It’s really powerful for us to race in honour of those touched by brain cancer,� said Hill. “We will be thinking of them as we run.� Volunteers are still required to
help put on the event. Hill and the team of organizers have high hopes for the race. “I hope we blow it out of the water,� she said. The race day will include a halfmarathon, half-marathon relay, 10K, 5K, and 2K. For more information, visit www. southottawaraceday.ca.
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Ottawa South News EMC - Thursday, August 15, 2013
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