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

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The Race to End Poverty

By Geordie McConnell

My running club is in the middle of collecting used running shoes for charity. The other night, I picked a pair of shoes up off the top of the pile and was shocked to see that they were almost brand new, with no more than ten or twenty kilometres of wear on the outsole.

It's a bittersweet tale, I'm sure. These shoes likely came from an athlete who was greatly disappointed in the model and the money they spent on them. In about a year's time, however, these same shoes will be on the feet of an African refugee who is fleeing the violence in Darfur for the relative safety of a refugee camp over the border in Chad.

Even if our shoes fit and perform well, the common advice is to change trainers every 600 to 800 kilometres as the cushioning and support starts to lessen with time. They may look fine, but like an outgrown toy they end up at the back of the closet. And it's not just shoes. While running can be a minimalist activity, most runners love their gear and end up with more of it than they need. So let's do some spring cleaning and see what we might be able to liberate. Here are some possible destinations for your out-of-step gear.

Shoes: Many retailers, like The Running Room, partner with organizations that help to find new feet for your old trainers. If you'd like to start your own collection, contact Sole Responsibility, the organization I work with, for details on how to do it. (www.soleresponsibility.org)
Clothing: How many t-shirts can one person use? Take a pile of your less popular shirts, shorts and other clothing to the local charity shop. They'll sell them and help the needy with the money they raise.
Accessories: From running belts to old running watches, one of the best options is to "freecycle" them, or give them away to those who might use them. Visit FreeCycle.org to find the nearest chapter of this great organization that helps connect givers with takers.
Food Containers: It's easy enough to throw a plastic bottle in the recycling bin, but what about the wrappers from our energy bars? Hats off to Clif Bar, which has partnered with a recycling company (TerraCycle.net) to turn old wrappers into backpacks and other items. It's an exciting new concept - let's hope it spreads. To encourage people to collect as many wrappers as possible, sign-up is free, as are shipping costs. For every wrapper the Brigade receives, they will donate two cents to a nonprofit of the collector's choice. The wrappers then will be woven into strong material, and made into eco-chic products.