GREAT DEBUT FOR WEATHERTECH REV & RUN

By Bryce Turner

There was a new race on the Honda Indy Toronto schedule this year – one that saw slower lap times and did not involve motors. That’s because the inaugural Rev & Run saw human horsepower lap the street course for a 5 km dash.

Rev & Run, presented by WeatherTech Canada, was held following the NASCAR Pinty’s Series (NPS) race on the Friday evening. Also featuring a 1 km kids run on pit road, the main event saw a combination of professional and casual runners, along with members of the motorsports community, complete nearly two laps around the track. The 5 km run was part of the Canada Running Series (CRS) and was officially timed by Enfield Timing.

“The Canada Running Series, they are the premiere running event hosts in Canada,” said Kevin Silva, head of business development at WeatherTech Canada. “Imagine if you’re a brand-new track and you get accreditation for a Grade 2 FIA license…essentially no foot races in their first year get to work with the CRS.”

Matthew Lozano (15:07 elapsed time), Eric Bang (15:25) and Julius Mwangi (15:32) finished on the male podium, while Sarah Donaldson (18:09), Sophia Walter (19:05) and Dana Cantarutti (19:26) finished on the female podium; each podium finisher received a cash prize. Brody Clark, the younger brother of USF 2000 racer Mac Clark, finished 15th overall (16:52).

Rev & Run also raised money for charity, where corporate donations and participant fundraising helped the event reach its goal of $15,000 for the Parkdale Community Food Bank. A big cheque was presented to the charity after the run.

“The Parkdale Community Food Bank historically saw 1,000 visitors a week, that was about two years ago, and now, with inflationary pressures and costs of living going up, they see about 3,000 visitors a week,” said Silva. “(The donation) should take that community through for the next few months, so we’re really happy.”

More than 450 runners were registered, with 422 officially taking part. All participants received a technical running hat and a finisher’s medal, displaying L.P. Dumoulin’s car in front of the Princes’ Gates, plus a race kit featuring swag.

Inside Track Motorsport News sponsored the kids run, which also saw some NPS drivers take part. Rev & Run was well-organized and a unique experience.

Plans are being discussed to grow Rev & Run for next year, including an increased driver presence for the kids run and more participants allowed in the 5 km event. IT