Around 1,300 people took part in the 41st annual Brantford Rotary Classic Run on Sunday, June 1, 2025.
Dennis Duce, past chair for the run, said that the annual event has been going on since 1982.
“This was started by two gentlemen, Nick Rizzo, who’s now passed away unfortunately, and Judge Jim Kent. The two of them liked to run on their lunch hours every day, and they started the run, which was a half marathon back then, as a way to help give back to the community; back then it was called the Boston to Brantford Classic Run,” he said. “… This is now the 41st annual run because we missed two years with COVID, but we’ve been going full tilt since then. The whole idea behind the run is to raise funds for physically challenged children and youth service projects in Brantford and Brant County, especially Lansdowne Children’s Centre and the Boys and Girls Club [now BGC Brantford].”
Duce said that while they used to get over 3,000 runners pre-pandemic, he was thrilled to see so many people participating this year.
“The turnout was just exceptional,” he said. “We didn’t know if we would get this many people out but I think the weather has really helped.. Last year it rained all day and I think we had just under a thousand people, which was still a great turnout, but having this kind of nice weather really makes a difference.
After gathering on the grounds of the W. Ross Macdonald School, participants headed over to the corner of St. Paul and Dufferin Avenue before taking off on the ten and five-kilometre runs, and the three-mile walk.
Having crossed the finish line and accepting their medals, many runners stuck around to rest up, get a post-run stretch from CBI Health, socialize or to grab a bite to eat.
Brantford resident Brianna Laurin, who chose to partake in the five-kilometre run, said she’s been involved with the run since her youth.
“I used to do the run back in elementary school and I recently started participating again with my work, so in total, I think I’ve done it about ten times now,” she said.
When asked what she thought about the event, Laurin said it was exactly what she hoped for.
“It was seriously perfect, especially compared to yesterday,” she said with a laugh. “I love that there’s always lots of spectators with water stations along the run, and it was just amazing to see how many people were participating this year. I always like doing this run because it helps out the kids. Of course, I do it for myself too, but I also like being able to give back to the community as well. It’s just a great event.”
Later, Nicole Goodbrand, current chair for the run, said that the event couldn’t happen without all of the volunteers and sponsors who lend their support.
“This event would not be possible without the volunteers, both Rotarians and those who help out with just the run, who come back year after year; some of them have been here since the very beginning. I may be the organizer, but they are the true brains behind the operation and I’m just so thankful for them,” she said. “Also a big shout out to the W. Ross Macdonald School, who’ve been hosting us on their grounds now for many years and all of our wonderful sponsors who are just so lovely.”
Goodbrand added that for those who are interested in getting involved with next year’s run or the Rotary Club in general, to not be shy and to just reach out.
“We are always happy to have new members, it’s not an exclusive club and you don’t have to know anyone to join,” she said. “Our motto is “service above self” and so if that speaks to you, and you’re willing, we would be happy to have to have you and we’d love to have you help out with the run next year.
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
