Meet our Toronto Women's Run Series Runbirds!

By: Michelle Clarke

The Toronto Women’s Run Series is a favourite every year. In May, women from all over Ontario and the US travel to participate in either the half marathon or the 5km distance. Every year, every race the mission is the same.

“To offer a racing season that motivates and inspires women to come set the pace. For many women, our races are an opportunity to run in a supportive and friendly environment, and to meet other women runners. For competitive female runners, we offer the chance to break out of the chase group and experience the rush of being first across the finish line, instead of being the first woman across the finish line. “

One of the main reasons for the race’s success is race director Cory Freedman, she truly cares about each an every participant and sponsor. (pictured right)

What to expect when you enter this race? You’ll immediately find a park full of smiling, laughing women ready to take on a new challenge or re-visit an old one. Bring some cash, donations for POGO are accepted at several stations within the park, one especially you will be interested in is the Starbucks coffee, served hot all morning long. There is a massage tent, a CLIF bar sampling station and the signature jewellery company: Foxy Originals. They provide the finishing medals, but have other great jewellery on display.

Mizuno is the race sponsor and has a lot of great things to offer up on race day. If you’ve never tried our shoes, you’re in luck because we have a demo set just for you to take them out for a spin. Try them on for the race or after. We also accept cash donations for POGO in exchange for some of our great run accessories.

A special addition to this year’s race are the Mizuno Cheer Stations. Different than a pace guide, a Mizuno cheer station will be a place you will find that extra push and pull during the race. In the Half Marathon race you will find a Mizuno cheer station at the 5km/10km/15km and 20km markers. If you’re running the 5km race, we have cheer stations located at the 2km and 4km markers. Look for our girls at these stations and they will be cheering from the sidelines, jumping in to help motivate you through some of the tougher times, keep that smile on your face and lend a hand where needed.

We’d like to introduce you to 2 of the 6 Mizuno athletes who will be out on the course cheering for you! Meet Michelle Lostracco and Morgan Shuker.

Morgan Shuker

I am a personal trainer and the owner of Wildly Fit. I love yoga, strength training and of course running. I am a firm believer that anyone can take up running and racing as a hobby. Last year I started Wildly Fit Run Club where I coach the run-walk-run method as well as hill training. I am also decidedly certain that pink shoes make me run faster! Check out Wildlyfit.ca for articles on food, fitness, and finding inner peace. Find me on Twitter and Instagram @Wildly_Fit

Michelle Lostracco

Hi, I am Michelle! Running has been a part of my life for years. Having a bad day? Run. Having a good day? Run. Having nothing else to do? Run some more. I started distance running with a group of friends 5 years ago – we called ourselves “The Wolfpack” – it was short lived but my love for distance running continued. I now coach marathon clinics at the Running Room. I get the most enjoyment out of seeing others achieve their goals. Happy Running!

Don’t forget to keep your eyes open for the firemen at the 5km turnaround and the chocolate station on your way back to the finish line. After you get your finisher’s medal, grab your goodie bags, which are stocked full of perfect post-race treats (hint: chocolate) and stick around to cheer on your friends and win some great prizes. Be sure to make a pit stop at the Mizuno booth for giveaways and Mizuno shoe advice by shoe tech expert Michelle Clarke a.k.a Michelletherunner. We are looking forward to seeing you on race day.

“Regardless of what pace you set or what motivates you to cross the finish line, it is the collective power of our community that makes the Toronto Women’s Run Series so unique and memorable.”