ENDURrun 2023 wrapped up this month, for the 18th time, but first since 2019. The world has changed a lot, but the quality of people who participate and volunteer in this event has not.
We were thrilled to welcome the community back to our hometown for a week of smiles and strength, but also, a competition that revealed the toughest runners. Robert (6th time) and Valery (2nd time) are incredible champions and we caught up with them in what has become our traditional champions photoshoot. See below for the fun photos of these two talented runners. We also asked them for comments that we could share, and you will also find those gracious sentiments below as well.
I think we can all agree that the ENDURrun is unlike any other event. People of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, from all over, descend on the streets and trails of Waterloo Region to run, race, push, cheer and volunteer their time. We call it a running event, but truthfully, it’s so much more. Running and racing is one component but what actually draws us here year after year is the sense of community and belonging, camaraderie and friendship. The organizers support the runners, the runners support each other and as a collective, we all support the organization. It’s a wonderful web of racing logistics and planning, but also positivity, commitment and love. Over the years, the Schmidt’s have created something much, much bigger than just a ‘running race’
Many thanks to everyone for a terrific week! A week of laughter, pain, chafing, lots of sweating, strategizing, swearing, looking at some nasty feet, swallowing puke stuck in my throat, maybe peeing my pants once or twice, saying many inappropriate things and not being judged, and pushing myself day after day alongside 30 other amazing, slightly crazy people.
ENDURrun 2022 – It was TOTALLY worth the wait!
The ENDURrun is a very special event to me. It’s a week I look forward to all year long. Over the years I’ve met so many people and I consider us one big ENDURrun family.
The race is very unique and there is nothing else like it. It takes a certain kind of fitness to be able to accomplish it and it’s incomparable to any other event in the world which adds to the excitement. ENDURrun allows me to show my own personal strengths that I can’t always do it a simple straight up road race. A mix of speed, endurance strength and recovery.
Winning 6 consecutive years in a row has been super exciting for me. Even though there is lots of times I’m racing alone against the clock, I still know my ENDURrun family is spread out throughout the course. When things get tough their waves and words of encouragement push me along.
I tell everyone I bump into they need to try this event once in their life. It’s safe to say ENDURrun has helped define me as a runner and a person. It’s apart of who I am now and has helped me grow in so many ways. I can’t wait for 2023. Lucky number 7! 😉
The 2023 ENDURrun is 67% sold out.
