Beaches resident Jason Skillicorn has run the Spring Sprint since the 1990s.
“It’s a great race that supports the community and it’s really a fun day,” Skillicorn said, after registering for this year’s run.
He’s glad it is back now after being cancelled due to COVID-19 for the past three years as it’s a chance to get together with family and community, he said.
His son and daughter will accompany him on the sprint on April 1.
The event has helped support community programs for the Beaches Recreation Centre since 1987.
The Spring Sprint helped to fill the gap in what the city could not provide, said Joanne Knox, a member of the Beaches Recreational Center Advisor Council.
“If we can’t get enough money from the City of Toronto, we subsidize camps and their activities, senior programs, upgrades around the city, and a special Christmas event,” Knox said.
The race will starts on the boardwalk at the boathouse near the end of Silver Birch Avenue. The route goes west along the boardwalk, then circles back east on the Martin Goodman Trail to end where it started.
A five-kilometre run or walk begins at 9:30 a.m. for adults and teenagers. A two-kilometre run for children starts at 10:30 a.m. and seniors walk at noon .
A medal ceremony and celebration reception with coffee and cookies is to conclude the sprint at The Balmy Beach Club.
Registration takes place in person at the Beaches Recreation Centre, 6 Williamson Rd., on March 21, 22, 29 and 30 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The cost is $25 in cash or cheque. Registration includes a t-shirt which has become collectible for some participants as every year is a different colour.
There is no registration on the day of the race.
“As somebody who’s lived in the community, my whole life, Spring Sprint is just something that bring everybody together,” Sarah Hendershott said.
A member of the Beaches Recreational Center Advisor Council, Hendershott said she’s excited for the sprint returning after three quiet years.
“I walked the border all the time, so I hope I do well, ” said would-be runner Benjamin Aenishanslin after signing up for the first time at the Spring Sprint.
“I want to eventually in 2025 or 2026 do a marathon. So a race like this helsp me to build up.”
The last race in 2019 drew 500 runners.
This year the number of runners is expected to increase as new members have moved to the neighbourhood over the past three years .