Blair’s Run is great fun for the fit and semi-fit, but everyone can join their neighbours and the broader community to raise funds for the BGC Toronto Kiwanis (formerly Toronto Kiwanis Boys and Girls Clubs).  It’s a short 2km run or walk that kicks of the last day of the Cabbagetown Festival. The run commemorates Blair Tully, who passed away in June 1999. He chaired the race committee from 1995 and the event honours his enduring spirit and contribution to this annual community fundraiser. 

Marilyn Marshall, who is Blair’s wife, organized Blair’s Run for the past 24 years to raise funds for the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (CYC), along with a team of enthusiastic volunteers. The Mini-Marathon started as more of a fun run. Under Marilyn’s leadership Blair’s Run has grown to raise $30,000 to $50,000 per year.

In 2020, after facing ongoing financial challenges for funding of programs and services, as well as costs to maintain a state of good repair, the CYC, decided to merge with BGC Toronto Kiwanis. The merger was a natural fit, with both organizations operating under similar missions, providing similar services, and serving adjacent communities.

The CYC’s original location at 2 Lancaster continues to house important youth programming, including after-school recreational programs, the Cabbagetown Boxing Club, evening youth programs, and parenting programs for teen parents, newly immigrated families, and socially isolated families.

In it’s 45th year, leadership for Blair’s Run, which continues to be a major fundraiser for the CYC, is now being passed to Megan Takeda-Tully and Angela Del Zotto.

They will be rallying street and corporate teams to sign up the most runners, raise the most funds, and compete on Race Day for an incredible suite of prizes donated by local businesses.