Twitter: @YourLondoner

London’s running community will be well represented at the 30th anniversary of the London Life Forest City Road Races this April.

And that includes competitive and recreational runners alike.

“I think that’s the cool thing about road running,” said Matt Suda, a member of the London Runner Distance [...]]]> Chris.montanini@sunmedia.ca  – January 19, 2012

Twitter: @YourLondoner

London’s running community will be well represented at the 30^th anniversary of the London Life Forest City Road Races this April.

And that includes competitive and recreational runners alike.

“I think that’s the cool thing about road running,” said Matt Suda, a member of the London Runner Distance Club who won last year’s half-marathon. “Anyone can do it and everyone can set goals for themselves. It’s always inspiring to see people chasing after their goals, whatever they might be.”

Suda also works part time at Runner’s Choice and is also a local supply teacher. The 25-year-old has been running competitively for a decade, recently graduating from the University of Western Ontario where he ran track and cross-country.

Now part of the London Distance Runner Club’s Athlete Assistance Program, Suda comes into 2012 after a successful season in 2011 that also included a personal best at a half marathon in Toronto.

“It was really nice to do that,” said Suda, 25. “It was really one of my best races.”

He recently competed at the Canadian Cross Country Championships in Vancouver at the end of November where the London Runner Distance Club’s senior men’s team won silver.

As far as his goals go, Suda is still focusing on the half marathon this year, but said he hopes to bring his competitive abilities to the full marathon in 2013.

“I just want to see how fast I can get,” he said. “(I’m) trying to be more competitive at the provincial  and national level, testing my limits.”

Although not too concerned about national rankings, another local runner is also focusing on the half marathon and will be setting out to conquer it for the first time in April, a week after her 40^th birthday.

“I thought it would be kind of a neat goal to have,” said Jeanette Pink, an accountant and mother of three in Dorchester who took up running after having her first child in 2003.

“I know some moms, they like the run just to get out, put their iPods on and just get out of the craziness,” she said. “For me and the girls I run with, it’s kind of our time to get caught up and chat about our lives.”

About a year after taking up the hobby, Pink and her running mates started to enter local 10k road races, but with their own goals in mind rather than top-10 finishes.

“We kind of use the races as a motivator if we’re feeling like we’re having a hard time keeping on track,” said Pink.

And she doesn’t seem to mind having more competitive runners around while she chases her goal.

“It’s motivating,” said Pink. “I love to see those people and the kind of shape they’re in. The races (have) a very positive, upbeat atmosphere I find. Everyone there is healthy and trying to be healthy and whether you’re running the race in an hour-and-a-half or a half an hour, it doesn’t seem to matter really.”

The London Life Forest City Road Races, also a fundraiser for the Thames Valley Children’s Centre, takes   place April 29. For more: www.forestcityroadraces.com.

By Greg Colgan, Special to The Free Press

Last Updated: January 18, 2012 7:23pm

After years of help from the Thames Valley Children’s Centre, John and Pauline Foslett were looking for a way to give back.

Their son Nico has received assistance from the centre [...]]]> CHARITY: Forest City Road Races benefit Thames Valley Children’s Centre

By Greg Colgan, Special to The Free Press

Last Updated: January 18, 2012 7:23pm

After years of help from the Thames Valley Children’s Centre, John and Pauline Foslett were looking for a way to give back.

Their son Nico has received assistance from the centre since he was born with a communication delay along with poor fine and gross motor skills.

For the Fosletts, running in the Forest City Road Races was an easy decision. Proceeds from the annual event go to the Thames Valley Children’s Centre.

“We did it because we wanted to support the centre,” Pauline said. “We knew about the races, but didn’t do it when (Nico) was small. We always thought it’d be a fun thing to do as a family.”

Now in their fifth year of participating, the family has made the race a tradition for their two children Anton, 13, and Nico, 15.

“It’s good to see people coming out and doing it as a family. It’s not just individuals coming to run,” John said. “When you look around, there’s a lot of moms and dads and kids that come out to support. It’s not just families with kids with disabilities.”

This year is the 30th anniversary of the Forest City Road Races that feature a half-marathon (21.1 km), 10- and five-kilometre races and a one-kilometre fun run.

The race has about 320 volunteers and is known as the premier road race in Southwestern Ontario.

Though the race last year was hindered by sleet and rain, more than 2,000 runners took part. The event raised about $29,000 for the centre.

“It assists the profile of the centre as a whole and the money goes to support a range of programs,” centre spokesperson Brent Duncan said. “We depend on special events like the race to help our budget.”

The centre helps more than 7,000 clients in Southwestern Ontario.

Programs vary from teaching public speaking to equipment services that allow families the opportunity to try expensive equipment before buying it.

Although they want to exceed last year’s total, organizers say it’s not just about money, but also raising people’s awareness of the Thames Valley Children’s Centre “Any event that’s a fundraiser also brings awareness and presence of (the centre) and what they do and making people aware of it,” race director Steve Ryall said.

“It’s not always about the physical dollars the day of the race, more people will be aware of what the centre does.”

The race is April 29 and has reduced entry fees for people registering early.

For the Fosletts, the race offers Nico the chance to help the centre and show others what they can achieve.

“The feeling when you’re finishing the race, it’s indescribable,” Pauline said. “It’s very inspiring to see everyone do it.”

Registration has opened for 30th annual London Life Forest City Road Races, which will be held April 29. Runners can register online at the newly renovated website, www.forestcityroadraces.com. Early registrants receive early-bird pricing and a free (limited time only) technical T-shirt commemorating the race. All [...]]]> London Free Press – January 9, 2012 – Hank Daniszewski

Registration has opened for 30th annual London Life Forest City Road Races, which will be held April 29. Runners can register online at the newly renovated website, www.forestcityroadraces.com.
Early registrants receive early-bird pricing and a free (limited time only) technical T-shirt commemorating the race. All race distances are back for 2012: the Half-Marathon, 10K, 5K run, and one km McDonald’s Fun Run for younger kids.
New for this year, runners can register online for Runner’s Choice running clinics or for a premium race day experience through accessing a new VIP Tent.
Steve Ryall has taken over as the new race director.
Runners and supporters can get involved now by following the race director Steve on Twitter (@ FCRR_RD) or interact with other runners and organizers gearing up for the race on the Forest City Road Races Facebook page.
The event is a fundraiser for the Thames Valley Children Centre.
Last year the races raised over $29,000 for the centre.

London, ON – The London Life Forest City Road Races have officially opened registration for the 30th Anniversary of the Race on Sunday, April 29, 2012. Runners can register online at the newly renovated website, www.forestcityroadraces.com.

Those registering early will receive early-bird pricing and a free (limited time only) [...]]]> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dec 8, 2011

London, ON – The London Life Forest City Road Races have
officially opened registration for the 30^th Anniversary of the Race
on Sunday, April 29, 2012. Runners can register online at the newly renovated
website, www.forestcityroadraces.com.

Those registering early will receive early-bird pricing and
a free (limited time only) technical t-shirt commemorating the race. Runners
who register early will receive the best prices. All race distances are back
for 2012: the Half-Marathon, 10K, 5K run, and a 1km McDonald’s Fun Run for
younger kids.

Whatever the runner’s ability or objective, this year’s race
looks to support them. New for this year, runners can register online for
Runner’s Choice running clinics or for a premium race day experience through
accessing a new VIP Tent. More information can be found at www.forestcityroadraces.com.

With a big anniversary to celebrate and a new race director,
Steve Ryall, at the helm, the London Life Forest City Road Races are looking
forward to delivering an incredible race experience.

Runners and supporters can get involved now by following the
race director Steve on Twitter (@FCRR_RD) or interact with other runners and
organizers gearing up for the race on the Forest City Road Races Facebook page.

In 2011, the London Life Forest City Road Races raised over
$29,000 for the Thames Valley Children Centre.

About Thames Valley Children Centre

Founded in 1949, the Thames Valley Children’s Centre is a
regional rehabilitation centre that serves 7,000 children and young adults each
year across Southwestern Ontario who have physical disabilities, communication
disorders, developmental delays and autism spectrum disorders. TVCC is a
community-oriented centre that provides assessment, diagnosis, consultation and
therapy to help youth reach their potential in terms of independence,
self-esteem and participation in society. http://www.tvcc.on.ca/

For more information, please contact:

Steve Ryall, Race Director

Tel: 519-685-8700 ext. 53386

Email:
ForestCityRoadRaces@mail.com

Updated 8 days ago

The London Life Forest City Road Races have a new race director preparing the event’s 30th anniversary this April.

Earlier this year, Steve Ryall, a triathlete and runner himself, took over the long-standing event, also a major fundraiser for the Thames Valley Children’s Centre — a regional [...]]]> By Chris Montanini Londoner

Updated 8 days ago

The London Life Forest City Road Races have a new race director preparing the event’s 30th anniversary this April.

Earlier this year, Steve Ryall, a triathlete and runner himself, took over the long-standing event, also a major fundraiser for the Thames Valley Children’s Centre — a regional facility based in London for the rehabilitation of children and youth with physical disabilities, communication disorders, developmental delays and autism spectrum disorders.

TVCC is currently helping over 7,000 children across Southwestern Ontario.

“I think that says it all right there,” said Ryall, excited to be behind the milestone event. “This year we’ll have some birthday cake.”

The road races are one of four special events throughout the year that directly benefit TVCC programs that provide growth opportunities for children and young adults to build confidence, independence and life skills.

Although last year’s races were hampered by difficult weather conditions, the event was still able to raise $30,000.

“It’s down slightly from years before,” said Michelle Allen, TVCC’s manager of community relations. “But of course, we depend on these special events to help fund our community-funded programs, so without this money we can’t do things like our drama program (or) our adapted fitness facility. It’s still a very important part of our budget.”

Last year’s race attracted 2,000 athletes and along with them, around 3,000 spectators, Ryall said, adding that he hopes to have similar or greater numbers in 2012.

“For us, not only do we get the financial benefits but we also get exposure,” Allen added. “It helps raise our profile in the community as well. We find people learn more about us through our special events.”

In the men’s and women’s half marathon, local runners Matt Suda and Leslie Sexton will be defending their respective titles in April.

“It’s great to have local runners winning our races,” Ryall said. “There’s a lot of local running talent, that’s for sure. The path system in London is very, very busy.”

Along with the half marathons, the road races feature an open 10k, a 5k and a kids

“fun run” 1k.

“I find that our 5k race is very much open to people who maybe have never run a race or want that sense of accomplishment, or just want to support the TVCC,” Ryall said.

Registration for the road races is now open on the event’s new website, www.forestcityroadraces.com.

With more sponsors this year, Ryall said race kits (available Saturday April 28) will be more attractive and a VIP tent will also be available for competitive runners. Runners who sign up before February 29 will get a free technical running shirt.

Race weekend, kicking off on the 28th, will also feature a vendor expo before races get underway on April 29.

The Londoner is a proud sponsor of the London Life Forest City Road Races.

Chris.montanini@sunmedia.ca

Twitter: @YourLondoner

London, ON – Although winter has not even arrived, organizers of the London Life Forest City Road Races are already busy planning the 30th anniversary event for 2012, which will be held on April 29th, 2012.

The first step was to hire a new Race Director. After successfully directing [...]]]> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nov 25, 2011

London, ON – Although winter has not even arrived, organizers of the London Life Forest City Road Races are already busy planning the 30th anniversary event for 2012, which will be held on April 29th, 2012.

The first step was to hire a new Race Director. After successfully directing the event for the past 4 years, former Race Director Todd Allen was ready to step back to allow someone else to organize all the details of the race.
The new race director, Steve Ryall, a dedicated amateur athlete, event coordinator and Dorchester native, has hit the ground running, to ensure that this year’s race meets runners’ expectations.

Information and online registration will be added to www.forestcityroadraces.com over the coming months. Runners can also follow race developments and interact with other runners and the organizers on the Forest City Road Races Facebook page or follow Steve on twitter @FCRR_RD.

The London Life Forest City Road Races, Southwestern Ontario’s premier running event, raised over $29,000 in 2010 for the Thames Valley Children Centre. The event offers a challenge for everyone in the family with a distance from a 1km fun run to a half-marathon.

About Thames Valley Children Centre

Founded in 1949, the Thames Valley Children’s Centre is a regional rehabilitation centre that serves 7,000 children and young adults each year across Southwestern Ontario who have physical disabilities, communication disorders, developmental delays and autism spectrum disorders. TVCC is a community-oriented centre that provides assessment, diagnosis, consultation and therapy to help youth reach their potential in terms of independence, self-esteem and participation in society.

http://www.tvcc.on.ca/

For more information, please contact:
Steve Ryall, Race Director

Tel: 519-685-8700 x 53386 Email: ForestCityRoadRaces@mail.com