Hundreds of runners braved the grass and dirt under a sunny fall day to participate in the Hybrid Heart trail races on Sunday. The 5K and 10K races at Wesley Clover Parks are all for a good cause with proceeds going to the Ottawa Cancer Foundation. “It’s just a great way to get people together to support an amazing cause,” said runner Zainab Al-Mehdar. Hybrid Heart was created in memory of race director Tyler Booth’s mom Carole Rocheleau who passed away after her fight with cancer. “I really wanted to immortalize the strength that my mother had and really help the community as well,” Booth said. “Knowing that I went through all of that and knowing that I can help others, really means a lot to me.” Booth says he relied on the Ottawa Cancer Foundation during his mother’s diagnosis wants the same for another family. “I think my mom is very proud. She’s always had my back to everything. I know that she would be extremely proud that we actually turned this into such an incredible event,” said Booth. Sunday’s race raised more than $17,000. The foundation supports people, families and their caregivers facing a cancer diagnosis. “We provide free programs and services, everything from mental health counseling, nutrition, exercise, and workshops and cancer system navigation for someone who doesn’t know where to turn when they get that diagnosis,” said Angie Poirier, communications director for the Ottawa Cancer Foundation. The organizers say they plan to make it an annual race. “Everyone here can really think of one person they know in their family or their friend group who has dealt with cancer and the Ottawa Cancer Foundation really does offer life changing work for people living with cancer,” said co-race director Zackery Liberty. “The idea here is that we can do it every year and we can increase our impact. Sure, we raised $17,000 this year, but that’s not where it ends.”
