The event also has a new date, meaning runners no longer have to choose between Canada Army Run and the Terry Fox Run – so mark your calendar for September 23^rd.

Among the 5^th Anniversary initiatives, runners will be happy to see new medals (don’t worry, they’re still styled after dog tags!) and special edition 5^th Anniversary technical shirts.  They’ve also introduced new categories to the Disabled Athletes division – a Visually Impaired category for both the 5K and half marathon, and a Hand Cycle category for the half marathon.

File photo

This past weekend, Ryan was the lone Canadian to run the Brazil 135 – a 135 mile ultra marathon – in a time of 45 hours, 31 minutes.  The race follows a gruelling path through the mountains, with 30,000 feet of cumulative ascent and 28,000 feet of descent.

According to a press release, the accomplishment follows a ligament strain sustained during a ski trip on New Year’s Day – Ryan spent a lot of time in physiotherapy in the weeks leading up to the race.  She credits her support crew – including legendary Brazilian ultra-athlete Sergio Cordeiro (two-time world champion for double deca Ironman – or 20 Ironman triathlons in 20 days) – with her success.

Ryan plans to stay busy in 2012 by completing Ironman Mt. Tremblant and Ironman Canada on back-to-back weekends in August, and has applied to the Badwater Ultramarathon, another 135-mile ultra marathon through Death Valley in July.  She’s also working with Steve Brown, Ultraman Canada Race Director, to create the Steve King 100km Classic – a new ultra marathon and relay to honour ultra-athlete Steve King.  The race will be BCs only 100K road race and will take place on September 15, 2012.

You may have met Cannata when we spoke to him in September, or read the update when he won an iRunAward in November, or maybe you heard him talk to Mark Sutcliffe on iRun: The Running Show in December.

Cannata, 25, decided to run across Canada, like his hero Terry Fox, to raise funds for cancer research.  The eight month journey began in St. John’s, Newfoundland on May 1, 2011 and covered 8,778 km through 10 provinces, raising $40,000 to fund future research grants.  The fundraising fell short of Cannata’s goal of $2 for every Canadian, however, it is inarguable that he inspired thousands of Canadians just as he was once inspired by a determined young man – and for each who go on to do something, no matter how small, the world will be a better place in immeasurable ways.

Congratulations, Scott, on your incredible accomplishments!

The 28 year old, who trains in Oregon, could still be on a plane for London in 2012. He currently holds the Canadian record of 27:23.63 in the 10,000m, and may take a shot at the A-Standard of 27:45 at the Payton Jordan Invitational at Stanford in April.

The A-Standard is 2:11:29, and so far two Canadians, Reid Coolsaet and Eric Gillis, have achieved it.  With 3 spaces on the team, there are still no guarantees; runners have until April 15, 2012 to reach the standard, and with Bairu, Dylan Wykes and Rob Watson all closing in on that time, anything can happen.

To help you along, we have compiled a list of our favourite New Year’s runs.  In no particular order, we present the top-10 runs to celebrate the New Year!

# 10 -- Midnite Run & Party

When: Saturday, December 31, 2011
Where: Liberty Village, Toronto, Ontario
What: If you’re looking to run then party, this is the race for you. The party starts at 7pm and the gun goes off at 12:00 midnight, sharp! This race promises a great swag bag, awesome party, measured course, and free champagne to the first 250 registered runners.  Non-runners are welcome to buy a party ticket without the race registration, so your partner and friends will have no reason to veto this New Year’s Eve idea.  There will even be a costume contest – any bets on what Reid Coolsaet will dress up as?

# 9 -- Marathon Quest 250 1^st Annual Run/Walk

When: Saturday, December 31, 2011
Where: Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sport Centre, Cochrane, Alberta
What: Martin Parnell is still running for Right to Play, and he’d like you to join him once again.  You can do a marathon, half marathon, 10k, 5k or 2.5k run/walk on a 2.5k loop along the stunning Bow River.  Sure, there may only be one aid station, but marathoners will pass it 17 times, and it’s called the Guy’s Bakery Super Aid Station – sounds tantalizing, doesn’t it?  Entry is by donation to Right to Play so bring the whole family down to party before you party!

# 8 -- The Variety 104.5 Cornwall Resolution Run for Diabetes

When: Saturday, December 31
Where: St. Lawrence High School, Cornwall, Ontario
What: If you’re in Eastern Ontario, you won’t want to miss this event.  There’s a 5k, 10k, or Family 2.5k to choose from, and the first 200 participants will receive a free Eco Blue Scarf!  Proceeds to the Canadian Diabetes Association.

# 7 -- Resolution Prediction Run

When: Saturday, December 31, 2011
Where: Run For Your Life, St. Thomas Health & Wellness Centre, St. Thomas, Ontario
What: You don’t have to be speedy to win this race, but you may want to check out the 5k and 10k courses ahead of time – predict how long it will take you to finish, run without a watch, and the most accurate predictions win!  There’s also a Kids’ 1k Challenge, so be sure to bring the family.

# 6 -- Running Room Brita Resolution Run

When: December 31, 2011 or January 1, 2012, depending on location
Where: Various locations
What: Held in 52 cities across Canada (+ 4 in the US), this event is celebrating its 27^th running.  Participants can run 5K or 10K (where available) and receive a jacket, refreshments and the chance to win door prizes.

# 5 -- PEI RoadRunners Run for Rapha House New Year’s Day Run

When: Sunday, January 1, 2012
Where: Charlottetown Rural High School, Charlottetown, PEI
What: Start the New Year by providing hope to the world’s children. Choose from a 5k or 3k, with all proceeds going to Rapha House, fighting child trafficking and sexual exploitation around the world.

# 4 -- 29th Annual New Year’s Day Fun Run Three Mile Challenge

When: Sunday, January 1, 2012
Where: Henley Island, St. Catharines, Ontario
What: Run, walk, wheelchair, ski, or otherwise propel yourself the 3 miles in order to get back for the after-party. This event boasts of excellent door prizes and delicious chilli!

# 3 -- Orillia Snowflake Series

When: Sunday, January 1, 2012
Where:  Orillia, Ontario
What: This 5K is the third in a 4-event series. Your wallet will be relieved at the registration fee -- it is a no-chip, no-shirt, no-frills race and all proceeds will go to The Sharing Place Food Bank. Never fear, there are still refreshments and awards!

# 2 -- Hair of the Dog Fun Run

When: Sunday, January 1, 2012
Where: Balmy Beach Club, Toronto, Ontario
What: Choose from a 9k or 3k with optional polar bear dip in Lake Ontario when you’re done.  There will be a hot lunch served afterwards, and rumour has it that’s not just juice at the aid station….

Check out this video from last year:

# 1 - Vancouver New Year’s Day Fat Ass 50 Run and Freeze Your Fat Ass Swim

When: Sunday, January 1, 2012
Where: Stanley Park, Vancouver, B.C.
What: We may have said “In no particular order” above, but this might be our actual #1. An informal, environmentally friendly event, this run is free for members of Club Fat Ass.  There are no course markings, marshalls, flags or directions, so getting lost is an annual tradition for this run – you are strongly encouraged to print out the course map ahead of time.  You can do (roughly) 5k, 10k, 20k, 25k, 30k, 42k, 50k or 50k+ -- then jump in the ocean for a polar dip (they strongly encourage this to make the showers at the Brockton Oval seem warm).  Then join them for brunch and celebration at Mosquito Creek Grill in North Vancouver where runners will get a free pint!

Check out this video from 2010:

Fourth annual Santa 5K, hosted by VRPro!

The funding will be used to purchase much-needed equipment for the Guelph Track Project.  According to the press release:

Among these items will be age-appropriate implements that will allow athletes of all ages in the community to participate in the sport. The equipment will be readily available for other user groups within the area to borrow and use for their track and field needs. “We have a very high demand for the use of quality equipment in the area and this is going to be a huge factor in creating access for people of all abilities and ages. We’re proud of our role in helping motivate and create a more fit, physically skilled, and enthusiastic population,” commented the Speed River and University of Guelph Head Coach Dave Scott-Thomas. “I’ve built a lot of stuff in my garage over the years and it will be great to have quality gear that we don’t need to lug around just to get a basic practice in.”

The indoor field house component of the Guelph Track Project is slated for completion in May 2012, and progress on the outdoor facility, including an 8-lane track, continues to move forward.  The new equipment will be housed by the University of Guelph, where the facility will be located.

According to their website:

The Canadian Sport Awards honour the outstanding achievements of Canada’s best amateur athletes and leaders, thus showcasing the heroes that live within sport. The CSA brings together members of the sport community to honour the spirit, drive, and commitment of Canada’s international level athletes, coaches, corporations, volunteers, sport leaders, media, and inspired youth. The CSA are a tribute to the hard work, dedication, and victories of our country’s finest.

Any Canadian citizen can submit a nomination in the following categories:  Junior Athlete of the Year, Corporate Excellence Award, Leadership in Sport Award, Athlete Leadership Award, and Spirit of Sport Story of the Year.

For past award recipients, selection criteria, and nomination forms, visit their website here: Canadian Sport Awards.

Nominations close on Monday, December 19, 2011 and are for contributions or performances between January 1, 2011 and November 30, 2011.

Check your local listings as these are subject to change, but the scheduled times are:

On TSN2
Saturday, October 29, 7pm EST
Monday, October 31, 3pm EST
Friday, November 4, 1am EST

On TSN
Sunday, November 6, 1pm EST
Thursday, November 10, midnight EST
Thursday, November 10, 1pm EST