Waaaaaay back on June 2, I ran my second 5k race!  This time it was for Josiah’s Journey Walk/Run in the Park, in support of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the London Health Sciences Centre at the Children’s Hospital.  This is a cause near and dear to my heart, as my best friend’s son was born two months early and spent quite a lot of time in the NICU before he could come home.  I’m happy to report that V is now a happy, healthy three year old who loves Thomas the Tank Engine, Winnie the Pooh, and the Toronto Blue Jays!

From the Josiah’s Journey website:

Josiah Morash lived just one day yet his legacy continues to leave a lasting impression on the lives of others.  Josiah’s Journey is a charitable organization that supports the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Children’s Hospital, London.  Josiah’s Journey was founded in memory of baby Josiah Morash who died on July 28th, 2009 from complications due to a rare genetic disorder known as Trisomy 13 or Patau’s syndrome.

This is the fourth time the Josiah’s Journey event has happened, and the event has raised over $70,000 since it began!  Amazing!!!

The day of the event, I arrived at Springbank Park fairly early to register, and received my running number, a race t-shirt, and a goodie bag.  There were tons of people there: family and friends of children in the NICU, doctors and nurses from the NICU, lots of media, big kids, little kids, babies in strollers, and even some dogs!  Both races I’ve attended have had dogs running, wearing race t-shirts!  It’s hilarious!

The race was scheduled to start at 11 am, but first there were some speeches from Josiah’s family and doctors.  I feel horrible saying this, but I was starting to get a little anxious, because I had to go to a rehearsal for [THEY FIGHT!] right after the race!   The actual running started around 11:25.  It could have been because I made a new running playlist to get me fired up, or perhaps it was because I’m so familiar with the running course, or it could have been because I was worried about making it to rehearsal on time, but I ran a personal best that day — 5k in 37.32!!!

I loved that everyone was incredibly supportive and encouraging throughout this race.  There were volunteers along the sides, handing out water and cheering everyone on.  On the way back, I passed all the people who were walking the course (they always send the runners out first) and I got tons of thumbs up, high-fives, and smiles!

I definitely encourage everyone to get out there and do a run or walk supporting a charity you believe in.  Fitness, friendship, and a good cause — what could be better?

Have you ever participated in a run or walk for a charity?  What was it?  How much money did you raise?  Share your details in the comments!