8 LANE

We did it. Raised a million dollars in less than two weeks. Secured a lasting legacy for the future. By next fall, UofG will have new indoor and outdoor tracks. But most importantly, the endurance community is fired up, and we've taken another big step towards creating a stronger and deeper endurance culture here in Guelph.

John Marsden, chair of the Canadian Centre for Running Excellence in Guelph, sums it up perfectly:

“It’s just astounding,” (John) said Tuesday afternoon. “We had no idea we would make it happen. We told everyone we would, but we really had no idea.

“But the response from the community has been exhilarating and humbling. This is a running city, a generous city. It is a privilege to live here.”

A couple of articles here, and here.

A special thanks to the triathlon community here and abroad who came together and raised $50,000+ towards this project. Simply stunning. We raised enough to be a lane sponsor, which means the new track will have a lane emblazoned with "Guelph Triathlon" when it's built. How many tracks in the world have that sort of triathlon connection? I'm not sure - probably very few - but I do know that one of them will be right here on campus.

For anyone within driving distance of Guelph, come by the Albion Hotel tonight from 8-10pm for a celebration (2nd floor). If you donated, or even if you just love running, come on down, be part of the community, and enjoy the energy. There will be a souvenir for the first 300 people to arrive.