Hamilton runners gather for 102nd Boxing Day Run

Hundreds of runners and walkers came together today for the annual Boxing Day Run in Hamilton.

The event has been taking place for more than 100 years, making it one of the oldest road races in Canada. The snow didn’t stop many who run every year to support the community.

Wearing hats and gloves, hundreds of participants laced up their running shoes and braved the cold for the 102nd Boxing Day Run.

“You know, I’m from Hamilton, so it’s nice to come back home and run with other people in the city. It’s a good way to connect,” said Dinesh Moro, who has been running for over a decade.

“That’s a Hamilton tradition. It’s over 100 years old, so it’s a well-run event and a lot of fun. Especially when you can do it with your friends. Yeah, it’s a blast,” said Park Jones, a Boxing Day Run participant since 2017.

“It started just becoming like a way to keep us motivated during the Christmas holidays,” said another runner.

Participants were able to choose between a 10-mile or four-mile run.

The event takes place every year to support the YMCA Hamilton Burlington Brantford’s ‘The Y Save Lives’ campaign which gives local youth access to YMCA programs.

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“Using the money to help them with some community work and exercise programs. Hopefully, we can grow this race over the years and partner with the YMCA, with their new announcement, with the development on Jackson Street. So hopefully that will help them out in the future,” said Joe Curto, Boxing Day Run race director.

Just like previous years, this time their goal is to raise $5,000.

“About 500 runners were pre-registered. We had about 350,” said Curto. “And then people come in during Boxing Day and played it by ear – see how the weather is like.”

This year, Hamilton residents were joined by visitors from others cities, other provinces and even other countries.

First time runner, Ffion Hughes, said she found the race challenging.

“Was good. It was hard,” Hughes said. “I live in Vancouver so I’m not used to the frigid temperatures, but I was running with my brother, which is fabulous.”

“Happy it’s not too snowy. It was really snowing in Toronto. We’re from Toronto,” said first-time runner Sonya Garner. “I’m not much of a runner, so I want to try something new, you know, bring it strong into January. Hopefully I keep it up.”

Despite the cold and wind, it’s not stopping some of these runners, especially those who have done it every year.

It was an extra special day for 75-year-old Mike Moulden who’s been running every year since 1972. Today is his birthday and his retirement race.

“It started with the 10-mile run, which used to run out to Dundas and back, then they changed the course. So it’s a terrific way to stay in shape,” Moulden said.

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