iRun because food tastes better afterwards – Patrick Houston, Alberta
iRun slowly! – Jason Hoffman, Manitoba
iRun iRun to correct years of sedentary living! – Mike Scott, Ontario
iRun because I live – Georges Schneller, Laval, QC
iRun because somebody once told me I couldn’t – Heidi Abbey-Der, Saskatchewan
iRun away from the negative and towards the positive – Teri Lepard, Alberta
iRun to inspire my kids to try – Glen Johnston, Nunavut
iRun for the challenge to go faster and farther – Steven Matejka, Alberta
iRun iRun to feel great – Kathryn Rachar, Saskatchewan
iRun iRun for relaxation and to motivate my two sons – Keith Bradbury, Newfoundland
iRun iRun because endorphins are free – Cassandra Chouinard, Ontario
iRun iRun because it is my tonic and my salvation – Georgia Ioannou, British Columbia
iRun because running is like breathing to – Stephanie McEvoy, Ontario
iRun iRun because iEat – Sherry Maligaspe, British Columbia
iRun at 50 years old because at 43 I couldn’t – Peter Cicalo, Ontario
iRun iRun because I learn more about who I am with every km – Steph Mansell, Quebec
iRun because it’s like flying, only lower – Glenn Johnson, Ontario
iRun to prove to them that iCan – Catherine Smith, Manitoba
iRun because otherwise I’m grumpy – Alexandre Charest, Quebec
iRun to challenge myself, physically and mentally – Kathleen Keenan, Brampton, ON
iRun for health, iRun for life – Pat Cheung, British Columbia
iRun because I cannot say no to a second slice of chocolate cake – Emily Shandruk, Vancouver, BC
iRun to be free and enjoy our beautiful country – Cheryl Carter, Clearwater , BC
iRun because I want to be a role model for our six kids – Catherine Empey, British Columbia
iRun iRun because somebody once told me I couldn't – Heidi Abbey-Der, Saskatchewan
iRun iRun for my heart, so it runs for me! – Cathy Brzoza, British Columbia
iRun whenever I feel the need to escape – Iona Hillis, Ontario
iRun iRun because it helps me see things more clearly – Jennifer Pitts, Ontario
iRun to stay fit and release those running endorphins – Liliana Plava, Calgary, AB
iRun iRun because it gives me freedom to relax my brain – Marie-Claude Gregoire, Nova Scotia
iRun for relaxation and to motivate my two sons – Keith Bradbury, Newfoundland
iRun because I love the solitude – Janene Tailleur, British Columbia
iRun because it makes me feel powerful – Carlene Paquette, Carp, ON
iRun iRun because it sure beats the bus – Robin Robbins, Alberta
iRun iRun for the individual pursuit – Robert Pelletier, New Brunswick
iRun because it cleans up my life, because I drink more water, sleep better and eat healthier foods – Robin McIntyre, Ottawa, ON
iRun iRun because it's better than almost everything else – Nathan Carey, Ontario
iRun because it gives me freedom to relax my brain – Marie-Claude Gregoire, Nova Scotia
iRun therefore I am – Duncan Walsh, Nottingham, UK
iRun iRun to satisfy the irresistible urge – Tim Nixon, British Columbia
iRun because all the ladies are chasing my sexy runner’s body – Chris Baker, Etobicoke, ON
iRun because I never thought I would be able to – Gary Morris, Winnipeg, MB
iRun because I need it to soothe the soul, keep me in shape and for overall wellbeing – Beth Neil, Lombardy, ON
iRun because I can and I’m grateful – Terry SanCartier, Gatineau, QC
iRun iRun to kickstart my day – Sharon Strueby, Saskatchewan
iRun to my happy place and some days it’s very – Doreen May, Alberta
iRun iRun for the challenge and to remember to fully live – Pascale Synnott, Québec
iRun iRun slowly! – Jason Hoffman, Manitoba
iRun see where my feet will take me today – Megan Dolinskas, New York
iRun because I am not as clumsy I thought I was – Hanna Baer, Quebec
iRun because it makes me feel good, allows me to spend time with my friends and gives me a feeling of accomplishment – Helen Kolodziejzyk, Calgary, AB
iRun iRun to challenge my mind, body and soul – Sonia Mendes, Ontario
iRun iRun to eat – Maureen Tritscher, Alberta
iRun because it’s a great way to see the world – Sherry Mahoney, British Columbia
iRun because I learn more about who I am with every km – Steph Mansell, Quebec
iRun because my heart tells me to – William Martin, Manitoba
iRun because people around me inspire me – Pina Bevilacqua, Caledon, ON
iRun because endorphins are free – Cassandra Chouinard, Ontario
iRun because the wall is meant to be broken – Jonathan Bird, Ontario
iRun iRun away from the abyss – Charlene Thomas, Ontario
iRun because couch potatoes die young – Cathy Andrew, Ontario
iRun because it reminds me that I am capable of so much more than I have done – James Sauve, Ottawa, ON
iRun because I’ve lost 80 lbs and running has become fun – Cheryl Kelly, Ontario
iRun but not enough – Michael Shaw, New Westminister, BC
iRun iRun to maintain a strong physical and mental state – Tammy Rainville, Ontario
iRun because I like buying running clothes – Pamela Blaikie, Ontario
iRun because I get foot rubs afterward – Kate Howerton, British Columbia
iRun because I want to qualify for Boston and raise money for charities near and dear to my heart – Christine Gracel, Calgary, AB
iRun iRun because it's a great stress release – Brooke McKenzie, Yukon
iRun because it gives my day a boost of energy – Sara Campbell, Nova Scotia
iRun iRun because couch potatoes die young – Cathy Andrew, Ontario
iRun because it’s cheaper than therapy – Leah Boulter, Alberta
iRun because of the peace and strength it brings me – Michelle Jordan, Ottawa, ON
iRun for overall wellbeing – Trish McCourt, Halifax, NS
iRun so my daughters know that they can, too – Shelley Kirkpatrick, New Brunswick
iRun iRun all the livelong day – Pierre Saint-Laurent, Québec
iRun because I want to live to be 100! – Colette DeJean, Ontario
iRun iRun for the fresh air and adrenalin – Charlyn McGregor, Saskatchewan
iRun because it reminds me of how strong I can be – Monique Lavoie, Ontario
iRun because iEat – Sherry Maligaspe, British Columbia
iRun because it gets my husband out there – Tricia LaLonde, Alberta
iRun iRun to challenge my perceived limitations – Cassandra Williams, Ontario
iRun iRun to eat more, especially sweet potatoe fries – Joanna Skomra, Ontario
iRun iRun because I like buying running clothes – Pamela Blaikie, Ontario
iRun iRun because it's cheaper than therapy – Leah Boulter, Alberta
iRun because iLoves my man – Beverly Huang, Alberta
iRun because pecan pie, french fries and beer are chasing me – Teresa Sterling, Ottawa , ON
iRun iRun so that I can live longer and stronger – Derek MacPhail, Ontario
iRun so I can eat ice cream – Sandy Bolan, Ontario
iRun because I can’t dance – Mario Javier, Ontario
iRun iRun for me! – Judi Wearing, Saskatchewan
iRun iRun at 50 years old because at 43 I couldn't – Peter Cicalo, Ontario
iRun iRun because walking is too slow – Barry Knapp, Ontario
iRun because it’s better than almost everything else – Nathan Carey, Ontario
iRun to prove to myself I can – Lesley McGougan, Brampton, ON
iRun iRun because i love to – Mirella Petriello, Ontario
iRun because when I run I feel most alive – Meghan Lynch, Ottawa, ON
iRun because not everyone can – Olivia Harvey, New Brunswick
iRun so I don’t say never ever again – Linda Klaric, Manitoba
iRun because it makes me whole – Denis Ladouceur, Quebec
iRun because it makes me a better person, a better wife, a better mother and a better friend – Nathalie Joncas-Caissie, St-Antoine, NB
iRun because it is my tonic and my salvation – Georgia Ioannou, British Columbia
iRun because there is no finish line – Claire Kilgour, Ontario
iRun for me – Kiza Francis, Ottawa,ON
iRun for the cool t-shirts! – Pina Bevilacqua, Ontario
iRun iRun because I love the sense of accomplishment – Amber Moase, Nova Scotia
iRun for the moment when both feet are off the ground – Catherine Anderson, British Columbia
iRun and run, and run, and run, and nobody can stop me – Andrei Lucaciu, Ontario
iRun to get to know myself, my strength and my spirit – Lisa Groulx, Ontario
iRun because it has saved my life – John Marshall, Alberta
iRun to unleash my inner athlete – Adelle Densham, Avonmore, ON
iRun to someday win the race – Lindy Dunlop, Yukon
iRun because it’s in me – Michael Foley, Stittsville, ON
iRun iRun to inspire my children! – Wendy Bowen, Manitoba
iRun because it’s fun when it’s done – Sue Matte, Ontario
iRun because it makes me feel powerful – Sarah Kallaghan, Alberta
iRun iRun because I like to be healthy – Melanie Oickle, New Brunswick
iRun to stay ahead of the weight gain – Myra Abstreiter, Alberta

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The Whole Kit + Caboodle
iRun investigates the best (and worst) of the race kit
Call us shallow, but there's just something about a well-planned race kit that makes us feel like event organizers really care. It's not just about the free schwag, either. While a well-measured
and supported race course should always be top priority for any event, no matter how large or small, those races looking to impress with attention to detail should look for ways to extend runner support to what goes into the bag. Here's the iRun wishlist for an ideal race kit,
plus a few commonly-found items that make us want to say 'no thanks.'
THE BEST
Advil/Tylenol samples
These little beauties come in ever-so-handy during longer races, and thanks to their moisture-resistant packaging, they melt in your mouth,
not in your shorts.
Waterproof sunscreen sample
Sunscreen is a must-have for race day, and yet frazzled runners very often forget to bring their own. You've gotta love it when your race kit has you covered.
Lip balm
Another frequently-forgotten item that sure comes in handy on race day, since no one wants to be tossing back lemon-lime sports drink through cracked, dry lips. (Ouch!)
Worthwhile discount vouchers
Coupons for local sports stores and/or practitioners such as registered massage therapists are great, provided they a) don't expire within 48 hours and b) are for more than 10% off. We don't need more paper that isn't worth the paper it's printed on.
Drink sample
A sample of the sports drink that will be provided on the course, especially if it's something other than Gatorade, which is what most runnners are used to.
Race course map
A well-marked map of the race course (preferably featuring the locations of aid stations and porta-potties) and a clear set of pre- and post-race instructions, including how to get to and from the start and finish lines, is invaluable for every runner.
Technical t-shirt
The Cadillac of all race kits offer a well-fitting race t-shirt made of technical fabric.
Bonus points for gender-specific styling and sizing. If such a thing isn't possible, we wish race organizers would ditch the shirt entirely and deduct a bit from the race fee, rather than handing us yet another over-sized, cotton t-shirt destined for the dishrag pile.
Energy gels
This is another item runners can either forget or try (sometimes frantically) to acquire at the last minute, so including them in the race kit can be a true life-saver. Bonus points for yummy flavours, not just rejected prototype flavours like Habanero Hula or Mochalatte Swordfish.
Race bib
Bonus points if it's personalized with your name, so that even complete strangers can cheer for you along the way.
Safety pins
And lots of 'em! It seems you can't have too many safety pins on race day. Each runner needs at least four to attach the race bib, but a few extras come in handy for pinning extra gels to shorts, etc.
Reusable kit bag
The kit itself should be housed in a reusable cloth bag instead of a plastic one. Not only does this cut down on waste, but it gives us something to stash our stuff in at the baggage check-out. And when the race is over, a race kit bag that can double as a shoe bag is particularly handy— all the better to separate our stinky race shoes from the rest of our luggage, my dear!
THE WORST
Biz cards
Useless business cards from every realtor, dry cleaner and pet groomer within a 50k radius of the race site. While we recognize the necessity of race sponsorship, we don't find this to be the most targeted form of advertising, since let's face it, these little tidbits are the first to get chucked.
Dud freebies
Ditto for fridge magnets and/or calendars from every realtor, dry cleaner and pet groomer within a 50k radius of the race site. These are particularly annoying because they have just the slightest hint of usefulness that makes us feel momentarily bad about chucking them. But we do it anyway.
Buried vitals
Race kits packed with junk often have vital race info, but it's indistinguishable from the various flyers and glossy ads shoved in the kit to round it out.
Unisex cotton t-shirt
We all have one somewhere in the back of the closet…that great, cotton mumu that is the average race t-shirt. Seriously — do you know anyone who looks good in one of these?
Anti-racing snacks
Some of the worst race kits thoughtlessly include snacks that would be ill-advised in the 24 hours before a race. This includes anything particularly spicy, fibrous, cheesy, chewy or otherwise challenging to one's delicate, pre-race digestive system. (One particularly ill-advised race kit contained not one but three boxes of high fibre cereal. Yikes!)
Plastic bag
The kit itself is housed in a non-biodegradable plastic bag; just one more item destined for the landfill.
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