There were no losers in the Victoria Goddess Run in the West Shore on Sunday. More than 3,200 participants signed up for the all-female run, doubling the number over last year. That inaugural event raised $10,000; this year鈥檚 run raised $27,000.
Three charities 鈥� the Women鈥檚 Sexual Assault Centre, Victoria Women鈥檚 Transition House and ProMotion Plus, which promotes the participation of girls and women in physical activity and sports 鈥� share the proceeds from the run, but the benefits of the event go far beyond funds raised for those groups. It was a new experience for many, and they came away with a newfound sense of their own capabilities and potential.
鈥淲e had a lot of first-timers,鈥� said Cathy Noel, one of the organizers. 鈥淚t was so exciting to see a light come on, a feeling of 鈥榊eah, I can do it.鈥� 鈥�
She said women of 鈥渁ll shapes and sizes鈥� took part, and the ages ranged from nine years old to women in their 70s.
She said the most common reaction among the neophytes was the determination to be part of next year鈥檚 run. One woman in her early 40s had never participated in any sort of event for walking or running, said Noel, but exclaimed at the end of the event: 鈥淚鈥檓 hooked!鈥�
Sometimes there is a dividing line between those who are active and those who are inactive.
For those who are out of shape and struggling with weight, it takes courage to cross that line, to mingle with sleek and seasoned runners. Watching the non-athletes participate in this inclusive event was perhaps more impressive than watching the experienced athletes.
Time alone does not determine the winners in this race.
