The purpose of the Relay Run is to raise funds and awareness of depression, end the stigma of mental illness, and to encourage people to reach out for help. This year's run is being organized in honour of those who serve in Canada's military and as first responders.
The original Canal Pursuit was a 700 km run roughly following the Trent Severn Canal from Port Severn to Trenton and then the Rideau Canal from Kingston to Ottawa, running by each of the 88 locks on the way.
This year, there will be 8 separate local events, all on August 23rd, 2025, including the final section carrying the flag up to Parliament Hill.
Runners can run a variety of distances at each location (details to follow) either solo or with others, allowing time to talk with people along the way, keeping the conversation ongoing about mental illness and health.
1. Port Severn
2. Peterborough
3. Trenton
4. Belleville
5. Kingston
6. Smiths Falls
7. Kemptville
8. Ottawa
9. Virtual (your location, your route)
There are lots of details yet to confirm. Each location will have a Canadian Flag for participants to carry if they'd like. We would like to tally to total distances of all runners at the end of the event and compare it to the distance of the original 785 km route.
Stay tuned for some special events connected to this final year of the relay run.
Also check out other Health & Wellness events in Midland.
