Northern Ontario's largest distance running event celebrates its 10th anniversary on Mother's Day.
More than 2,000 runners and walkers are expected to return to Tom Davies Square for the Sudbury ROCKS!!! Race, Run, or Walk for Diabetes on Sunday, May 10.
To date, the annual event has raised around $445,000 for the Canadian Diabetes Association.
Chris Montgomery, the association's funding co-ordinator in Sudbury, said he expects the race to surpass the $500,000 mark this year.
People of all fitness levels are welcome to take part in race day.
“We're trying to get away from the stigma of it being an elite event,” Montgomery said. “We want to open it to everyone.”
Between 14,000 and 15,000 people in Sudbury live with diabetes or are pre-diabetes.
The disease, which health experts have described as an epidemic in Canada, currently affects one in four people, and is expected to impact one in three by 2020.
“Fitness is a huge part of preventing diabetes,” said Steve Matusch, the president and CEO of Ionic Engineering, and the event's first race director in 2005.
This year, Ionic Engineering will be Sudbury ROCKS' first presenting sponsor.
In addition to raising funds for diabetes research, Matusch, who is a marathon runner, said he hopes the event can encourage people to pursue healthier lifestyles, in the same way his first race improved his life.
“When I go out on race day, whether I'm running the event or not, it is so exciting to go out and be surrounded by thousands of people who are taking part in something you helped build,” he said.
The event also feature a marathon relay.
"It allows people to complete the marathon distance as a group,” said Brent Walker, Sudbury ROCKS' race co-director.
Up to eight people can sign up for a marathon relay team, and complete the 42-kilometre course together.
Because the event happens to be on Mother's Day this year, Walker said all women who participate will receive a carnation.
And to celebrate the race's 10th anniversary, everyone who crosses the finish line will receive a special gift, which will be kept secret until race day.
Sudbury ROCKS will feature a one-km race for children, a five-km celebrity challenge, 5K and 10K races, along with a half-marathon and full marathon.
To register visit sudburyrocksmarathon.com.
