James "The Scotsman" Rooney
Race director for our west-end, Monday and Tuesday night races.
Hello all! My name is James. I started running back in 2003 and took the Learn to Run Clinic at the Running Room. I never imagined that one day I would be a race director!
I started the running lark to get fit and healthy I had no idea that I would meet so many amazing people, who today I choose to call friends. I truly believe I have made friends for life, and that is a special gift.
I have completed many races including 5K’s, 10K’s, half marathons and event a few marathons.
My greatest running experience to date was running the Disney Marathon in 2009. My time was 5hrs 53 minutes and I had the opportunity to do it for charity, raising close to $2000 for Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto. My roommate in Disney called me around the 5 hr mark as I had my phone (taking 80 + pictures and calling the Sunday morning Run Club from the Disney Course). He was getting worried. My response was “I am having the time of my life” and it was something that will be with me for a very long time.
I am so thrilled to be part of the Investors Group Beat the Recession Race Series. What an opportunity for people to get active and across so many venues (with a price that is just too good to be true). I will be there at the race early doing my thing, so stop by, say hello, introduce yourself and let me know if I can be of any assistance!
Remember to "enjoy the journey" and always thank the race volunteers.
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Alex Bourgeois
Co-race director for our Toronto races
Alex has been involved in a wide variety of athletics and fitness disciplines his entire life. He competed in the OFFSA High Jump and Cross Country Championships. He then trained and performed as a professional dancer working with several top Canadian Dance Companies. Furthering his career as an endurance athlete, he competed for more than 15 years in distance running, triathlons and road cycling. As a veteran to the cardio athlete circuit Alex has learned to train faster, stronger and smarter.
Alex is passionate about educating and motivating his clients to achieve their personal fitness goals. He is fluent in the language of muscular strength, muscular endurance, body compositing, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, power and speed. He cultivated his expertise, through eh combination of personal experience, numerous certifications and qualifications. Alex has shared his expertise at fitness studios throughout Toronto including: The Ryerson Athletic Centre, The Yorkville Club, Verity, Epic Cycling, Cardio Loft, Berkeley Gym and individual clientele. His clients include those new to a fitness regime, well-seasoned fitness junkies, athletes with sport specific goals and sport rehab clients. Alex has coached individuals preparing for heir first 5k event and seasoned marathoner aspiring for personal best times. Currently Alex coaches the Toronto Christian Runners. Under his tutelage runners have qualified for the Boston Marathon and won top finisher medals.
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Laura Branson
Co-race director for our Toronto races
Laura Branson began her running career in high school during which she competed in the OFFSA Cross-Country Championships. As a road worthy marathoner Laura has completed 7 marathons including two Bostons. She frequently places top 3 in the age group category and top 10 female over-all in the 5k-10k distances. According to RoadRaceResults.com Laura’s PR for 2008 positioned her 57th female marathoner in Ontario. Laura currently leads the Toronto Chapter of Christian Runners.org, an international Christian faith based running group. In 2008 Toronto Christian Runners raised over $30,000 for various charities in the GTA. TCR’s service the running community through volunteer outreach including race marshaling and hosting water stations. Laura also enjoys; swimming, yoga and patting cats. |
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