Warming up and preparing for the race at Ontario Place, Toronto.
If, when you first heard of our interest in taking part in a marathon, you said to yourself, “Hmm… that’s interesting, but why?”. Well, you’re not alone, so did I, and I work for the organization!
An environmental organization that works to promote the protection of water and climate mainly through a visual medium is pretty far removed from a marathon. In our early meetings as we discussed our level of interest in participating, my main concern as our digital content manager was how to make this seem like a decision that wasn’t way out of left field.
But the more I thought about it, and the more we learned about the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, the more I realized how fitting it actually was for us to take part.
The TCS Waterfront Marathon is all about charity.
Some of our amazing Water Docs Team participants in the 2022 marathon.
We quickly learned that this particular marathon loves charities and charitable support. The marathon is built on charities joining as official partners of the marathon and they are then provided with a unique registration link. If a runner is interested in taking part in this marathon, they have the option to register using any official charity’s unique link. Runners can then reach out to their family and friends to sponsor their run, and part of those sponsorship donations go directly to the charity that they registered under.
As a charity we are always looking for creative ways to fundraise in a way that gives back to our supporters and allows them be part of our efforts, so naturally we loved this!
2. It’s been 3-1/2 years since our last big in-person event!
Team Water Docs crossing the finish line at Nathan Phillips’ Square in downtown Toronto.
As you know, in-person activities have been few-and-far-between in the last few years, so suffice it to say, we’ve barely held any in-person events during that time. We have been lucky enough to have been able to hold a handful of Water Docs Where You Live Community Screenings outside during the COVID-years, but we are always looking for more opportunities to get face-to-face with all of you. And, with our shift away from a traditional in-person film festival and moving to an online platform for the festival over the past 2 years, this has become increasingly difficult, so taking part in the marathon was another big plus for us!
3. Marathons promote active transportation.
Team Members displaying their medals. L-R: Allenna, Catherine, Ronnie, Carol
Marathons are actually a really great promoter of a healthy livestyle, low-carbon transportation and good ol’ fashioned community engagement.
I can’t think of too many things that get so many people out onto the streets to band together and do something that uses virtually no carbon, and that’s the fun of it. The whole point of a marathon is to run, walk or roll with your own two feet, a stroller (for youngsters) or an accessibility device, and that is definitely something our organization can get behind.
4. Bonus reason: the name of the event.
C’mon, TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon… Water Docs… it just works right?
The Team, post-race, in the lobby of the Sheraton Centre in downtown Toronto.
After I considered all this, I couldn’t believe it was only our first time participating… but it’s definitely not our last. This year we had five runners entered in the 5k in-person marathon and one runner do the virtual 5k for Water Docs. We hope to get even more direct involvement next year and can’t wait to get out there with you! So, lace-up and start your training now!
November 29 is Giving Tuesday, a global event that recognizes the work of charities everywhere and encourages the public to band together and donate to organizations of your choosing. We’d love and deeply appreciate your support this Giving Tuesday. Please also consider becoming a monthly Water Docs supporter