Ottawa’s annual National  Capital Marathon is fast approaching, and in Ottawa terms, it’s a big deal. 

Race Weekend draws thousands of participants and many more spectators and volunteers.  In addition to the marathon, there are 10k, 5k and 2k run/walks, and these events truly rally the city’s community spirit.  The race also benefits good causes such as the Ottawa Hospital Foundation and the Canadian Athletes Now Fund, as well as a whole host of endorsed local charities.

One such cause is of particular interest to this girlaboutOtown, since I’ve already proclaimed my enthusiasm for the National Capital Region YMCA-YWCA. This important organization is dedicated to building strong kids, strong families and strong communities, and having seen this mission in action, I know firsthand of the Y’s contribution to Ottawa life. 

So, this upcoming May 24, a group of runners from across Canada will walk or run in the marathon in support the Ascent for Kids Campaign and the National Capital Region YMCA-YWCA Kids Fit Program. 

The Ascent for Kids Campaign, launched to inspire kids to live healthy active lifestyles, will establish the Sean Egan Endowment Fund to help sponsor participants in the Y Kids Fit Program.  The Endowment is named after the late Dr. Sean Egan, a local health and fitness enthusiast who died of a heart attack while climbing Mount Everest in 2005.  Egan’s commitment inspired his good friend and local Y volunteer Gavin Lumsden to run 26 marathons - one for each letter of the alphabet - to raise funds to support underprivileged, overweight children in need of some help.  The National Capital Marathon will be his last of 26.

Y Kids Fit is a program designed to encourage good habits like physical activity and nutrition for kids and families who might not otherwise have emphasized the importance of healthy living.   Working in partnership with CHEO, Y Kids Fit empowers young people to participate in old favourites like sports or swimming while enticing them with alternative pursuits like yoga, hip-hop dance and even weightlifting. 

While I have never been much of a runner, I certainly appreciate the importance of physical fitness to my health and well-being.   As a kid, I was the sporty type, and I remember the fun I had just moving and playing.  Now, as a grownup, I make an effort to eat right and hit my treadmill a couple of times a week, even if it is sometimes hard to find the time.  I crank my iPod and get my groove on - and when it’s over - it feels great!

It’s true that kids learn from what they see, and I know my little girlaboutOtown sees me. 

To find out more about the Ascent of Kids Campaign, to become a Trailblazer, or to donate, click here .