Superheroes Support the 4th Annual Run for L’Arche

If you spent time along the Bow River pathway on March 22, you no doubt saw some well known (and not so well known) superheroes. From Captain Canada to Superman, these mysterious masked men and women were just some of the many volunteers who joined course marshals and more than 400 runners to support one of the insurance industry’s most popular charity runs: the 2014 Run for L’Arche.

The fourth annual Calgary charity run raised more than $150,000 for L’Arche Calgary’s programs for people with developmental disabilities. “It was chilly, but it was heartening to see so many people come out and support L’Arche,” said Dave Tod, Director of Development at L’Arche Calgary. “The run is one of our main fundraisers, with money raised going directly to our programs and facilities.

This year’s official race starters were all from the Calgary L’Arche community. Despite the crisp weather and less than optimal course conditions, a new half-marathon course record was set by Francois Leboeuf at 1:12:54. One volunteer, dressed as the Batman character Poison Ivy, said of the runners: “They are the true superheroes – achieving their goals, never giving up. It was a joy to be here to support them.”

The annual Calgary charity run also saw Facebook and Twitter feeds exploding, with runners tweeting and posting message about the runs more than 125 volunteers, including a group dressed as superheroes. “Your volunteers are the best! Nothing beats the ones in costume!” and “Best cheerleaders ever!”

The Run for L’Arche and its partners would like to thank organizers, volunteers, sponsors and the community for their continued support in one of Calgary’s most successful charity runs.