Be There Races

Be There Races is family owned and operated. In 2026 we will offer two of our popular races, the Kananaskis 100 Mile Relay Race and the Last Chance Half marathon and 10km. We have retired spring trio and Tri for Evan. You will still find the Wintergreen Ekiden Relay with our friends at Strides. Stay tuned for registration details.

Thank you to Centaur Subaru for over a decade of amazing support, particularly with our Tri for Evan event where the whole Williams family was very involved.

 

Our races support:

Mito Canada is a registered charity that provides awareness and support for people affected by mitochondrial disease, while also supporting the advancement of research. Mitochondrial disease impacts approximately 1:5,000 people. Due to the complexity and broad spectrum of the disease, it is estimated that less than 10 per cent of the people who are impacted by the disease receive a diagnosis. There are minimal treatments and no cure. Exercise has been proven to be the most effective form of therapy.

(Mitochondrial disease refers to a group of disorders. There are so many types of Mitochondrial disease it would be impossible to name them all, and many have yet to be discovered. Research is showing that Mitochondrial disease plays a role in Alzheimer’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis and many other familiar conditions. Each condition is the result of a genetic mutation – a specific change in the genetic material of the mitochondria. The mutation causes the mitochondria to fail. Help us raise money for this great cause when you register for any of our races by making a donation and/or gathering pledges from your friends and family.)

Blaine Penny co-founded the charity in 2009 after his son Evan was diagnosed with mitochondrial disease. Blaine is very passionate about the cause. He has poured in countless hours to raise the profile of Mito Canada  with the hope that one day it will improve quality of life all people affected by the disease. Blaine is an avid runner himself, and has incorporated sport through Team Mito as a platform for helping raise additional awareness.

Sadly, Evan died in fall of 2024 and, while we miss his smiling presence at events, we continue to raise awareness in his memory. The partnership with Be There Races is a perfect fit with the charity — by being active and participating in running races, people are improving their mitochondrial health and overall quality of life.