City set to host first in-person road race since pandemic began

Toronto is getting ready for city’s first in-person road race since the pandemic began.

Participants in the Constantine Yorkville Run will hit the pavement for the 12th annual 5K race at 9 a.m. on Sunday starting at Bay Street and Yorkville Avenue.

Organizers of the event are taking extra health and safety protocols this year.

“The Constantine Yorkville Run is a fully vaccinated event. In the registration process, you will be prompted to confirm that you have received the full dosage of a COVID-19 vaccine approved by Health Canada,” the run’s website reads.

Kelly Foss, a race spokesperson, said all participants and staff attending in-person are required to be fully vaccinated.

About 1,000 runners, including Toronto FC’s Alex Bono, Forge FC’s Kwame Awuah, and former goalie for Team Canada, Kendra Fisher, will be running to support more than 35 local charities.

Fisher, now working on the front lines as a firefighter, said she is excited to dedicate her run to Stella’s Place, that provides free mental health services for young people 16 to 29.

The former goalie for the national women’s hockey team says the run and the cause is special to her because of her own journey.

“It's something that I advocate very strongly ... and being physically active is key to maintaining good mental health,” she says.

Organizers say the event has raised more than $3.5 million over the last 11 years and they aim to raise $1,000,000 this year.

“If a person has not received both doses of a Health Canada approved vaccine, they are invited to participate by registering for the virtual run taking place between September 12th-26th,” organizers say.

Fisher says the run is a “fantastic opportunity for those finding ways to stay active, reconnect or get social again in a safe way.”

Toronto police are warning drivers about road closures for the race.

Runners will start at Bay Street and Yorkville Avenue, travel southbound on Bay Street until they reach the finish line at Davenport Road at Berryman Street.

JEFFREY CHAN The 12th annual five-kilometre Constantine Yorkville Run will take place Sunday. More than 1,000 participants are expected to attend. Everyone, including staff, must be fully vaccinated.