Constantine Yorkville Run Raises Over $500,000 for Local Charities
Throughout its history, the Constantine Yorkville Run has built a reputation as one of the most impactful and competitive races in the city. Earlier this month, the 5K race welcomed its 15th anniversary, this time presented by Swiss performance brand, On. Needless to say, the event presented another showcase of the best the city’s running scene has to offer.
While the race’s reputation for drawing an exceptionally fast field tends to lead the headlines in the running community (and rightfully so), the Constantine Yorkville Run’s impact on the city is where lies the heart and soul of the event. In its first 14 years, the event has fundraised over $4.8 million for the more than 30 local causes it supports. Not resting on its laurels, for its 15th anniversary, the race raised a staggering $561,304 for causes around the city, including Autism Speaks Canada, Alzheimer’s Society Toronto, Childhood Cancer Canada, and more. Donations are being accepted until September 30th but, as it stands, the Constantine Yorkville Run has now officially raised $5.4 million for its charitable partners.
“Completing a 5K with my dad, surrounded by friends and Dr. Nazia Selzner, was a pretty incredible end to this chapter,” says Meredith Burns, a UHN donor and runner in this year’s race. “We’ve been so fortunate, and I look forward to running and supporting all the organ donors and recipients that come after us through the Center for Living Organ Donation at UHN.”
As for the race itself, the field once again proved why it’s touted as perhaps the most competitive 5K race in the city. The event is scheduled during a period in the year when most runners are just finishing middle-distance road racing and gearing up for a long fall marathon build, making the early-September date a peak performance time. For some, it’s a marathon-tune-up. For others, it’s the race marked on their calendar all year long. But for many, like Burns, it’s about celebrating the city’s passion for supporting such incredible causes, both through physical performance and donations.
As for the winners, Canadian triathlete Miles Avalos took the win for the men’s field in a blistering 14:19, followed by Ryan Tyrrell and Matthew Viveiros. Prior to the Constantine Yorkville Run, Avalos has had top finishes at the Canadian National Triathlon Championships and notable performances in World Triathlon Series races. In the women’s field, Sasha Gollish earned first place with a time of 17:06, followed by Laura Desjardins and Stephanie Aldea.
“The Yorkville 5k is a highlight of my summer season,” says Gollish. “While unofficial summer is over, summer still sticks around. School is back in, many of us go back to the office, and it feels like the official kick off to the fall race season. I love the community. I love the vibe. It helps that it’s a fast 5k course. Kelly did a fabulous job with the event, and of course massive thanks to Jordan for his ongoing support for this event.”
Constantine Yorkville Run Raises $500,00 for Local Charities
Constantine Yorkville Run Raises $500,00 for Local Charities
Constantine Yorkville Run Raises $500,00 for Local Charities
Constantine Yorkville Run Raises $500,00 for Local Charities
As for the organizers themselves, it’s undeniable that the race’s 15th anniversary was a success on all fronts and a reflection of the best the Toronto running community has to offer. “The 15th annual Constantine Yorkville Run was the best one yet,” says Jordan Korenzvit, Co-Founder of the Constantine Yorkville Run. “The community rallied around over 30 great causes, ran fast, and fundraised over half a million dollars. Through our partner-led donation top-up program, our charities overall netted more funds than they fundraised. This success is testament to the dedication of Constantine Enterprises, our other corporate partners, and our unique turn-key event platform. We are looking forward to delivering another great run experience to participants, charities, and partners in 2025.”
