iRun because I cannot say no to a second slice of chocolate cake – Emily Shandruk , Vancouver, BC

iRun to stay fit and release those running endorphins – Liliana Plava , Calgary, AB

iRun because I want to qualify for Boston and raise money for charities near and dear to my heart – Christine Gracel , Calgary, AB

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 but not enough – Michael Shaw , New Westminister, BC

iRun because I never thought I would be able to – Gary Morris , Winnipeg, MB

iRun to challenge myself, physically and mentally – Kathleen Keenan , Brampton, ON

iRun because people around me inspire me – Pina Bevilacqua , Caledon, ON

iRun therefore I am – Duncan Walsh , Nottingham, UK

iRun because I live – Georges Schneller , Laval, QC

iRun to be free and enjoy our beautiful country – Cheryl Carter , Clearwater , BC

iRun for overall wellbeing – Trish McCourt , Halifax, NS

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 makes me feel powerful – Carlene Paquette , Carp, ON

iRun because pecan pie, french fries and beer are chasing me – Teresa Sterling , Ottawa , ON

iRun because it’s in me – Michael Foley , Stittsville, ON

iRun because it reminds me that I am capable of so much more than I have done – James Sauve , Ottawa, ON

iRun for me – Kiza Francis , Ottawa,ON

iRun to prove to myself I can – Lesley McGougan , Brampton, ON

iRun because all the ladies are chasing my sexy runner’s body – Chris Baker , Etobicoke, ON

iRun because I can and I’m grateful – Terry SanCartier , Gatineau, QC

iRun because when I run I feel most alive – Meghan Lynch , Ottawa, ON

iRun to unleash my inner athlete – Adelle Densham , Avonmore, ON

iRun because it cleans up my life, because I drink more water, sleep better and eat healthier foods – Robin McIntyre , Ottawa, ON

iRun because of the peace and strength it brings me – Michelle Jordan , Ottawa, ON

iRun because I need it to soothe the soul, keep me in shape and for overall wellbeing – Beth Neil , Lombardy, ON

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Toronto Marathon
October 19, 2008

Back to Table of Contents

Outrunning A Fashion Disaster The inaugural iRun Fashion Makeover
How to Attain a Personal Best in Finish Line Finesse
How to Have Fun With Your Race Photo One runner explains why, sometimes, it's good to be goofy.

WEB EXTRA:
Do you or someone you know need a running makeover?

The Big Finish:

iRun's Guide to Crossing the Line in Style

Want to make sure you have an unforgettable finish line photo? The next time you're heading down the homestretch, think about adopting one of these signature moves to set yourself apart. Better yet, invent your very own!

The Brandi Chastain Once you've crossed the finish line, drop to your knees, rip off that sweat-soaked shirt, and clench your fists above your head in celebration, � la soccer star Chastain's iconic shirt-doffing celebration following a winning penalty kick. Then get ready for all kinds of controversy over something that's really not a big deal (especially since the race winners probably ran in little more than a glorified pair of underpants).

The Bobby Orr Warning: To be attempted only at races with large, cushy timing mats (or, better yet, an abundance of over-eager medics) to break your fall. Rather than busting out a mean final sprint to catch that grey-haired dude ahead of you, why not re-enact Bobby Orr's celebratory leap through the air after scoring the 1970 Stanley Cup-winning goal in overtime? Once you're airborne, overall effort level is far less than sprinting, plus that grey-haired dude you pass? He'll be totally impressed.

The Touchdown This one allows room for personal customization, but we recommend some combination of the following: Cross the line, do a wacky victory dance, spike the iPod. If you're feeling particularly victorious, go dump a bucket of Gatorade on the head of that unsuspecting teenage boy handing out medals.

The Heather Gollnick Not for the faint of heart or the terminally uncoordinated. Gollnick's disconcerting ability to cartwheel across the finish line after a grueling Ironman race may not be so easy for wobbly-legged runners to imitate, especially since so many of us have the approximate upper-body-strength of an infant velociraptor. But who doesn't love a challenge?

The Britney Spears Stumble across the finish line, confused and disoriented. Yell at the race photographers to leave you alone, but become distressed when they stop snapping. Grab a toddler from a nearby spectator, hop in your Mercedes, and speed away from the scene. If the kid starts to cry, distract him by letting him help steer.

The Lindsey Lohan Stumble across the finish line, confused and disoriented. Refuse to submit to mandatory drug testing, since you went to that one Narcotics Anonymous meeting back in 2005 and totally don't have a problem. Grab a flask of vodka from a nearby spectator, hop in your Mercedes, and speed away from the scene.