9runrun is where firefighters, first responders and the communities they protect come together to honor the job, support mental health and celebrate the people who never stop showing up
Every October, the streets come alive with runners, walkers, families, first responders, emergency vehicles, cheering volunteers and a powerful sense of community.
This is 9runrun, the Emergency Services Run. In its 17th year, it has brought the public together with police officers, firefighters and paramedics to celebrate those who answer our calls for help while raising funds and awareness for mental health and community support.
The idea began in Ottawa in 2010 with a conversation involving then-Ottawa Police Chief Vern White and Stittsville councillor Shad Qadri. Chief White had challenged himself to complete 12 half-marathons in 12 months, and the conversation turned to creating a local run that would unite Ottawa’s emergency services while promoting health and fitness.
Qadri approached Brenda Tirrell, a Stittsville volunteer firefighter and experienced event organizer, and asked her to bring the idea to life. Brenda wanted the event to include all three emergency services police, fire and paramedics and to give the community an opportunity to meet first responders outside of an emergency.
A Conversation Becomes a Community Tradition
The event was initially going to be called the Ottawa Emergency Services Run. The son of one of Brenda’s running partners suggested 9runrun, a clever play on 9-1-1. The name stuck, and the inaugural event was held on Oct. 23, 2010.
That first race included a half-marathon and a three-kilometer family run and walk. More than 140 volunteers helped make it happen, and an impressive $16,911 was raised for Project s.t.e.p., supporting the development of a youth substance-abuse treatment facility.
What began as one community race quickly became an annual tradition.
Over its first 16 years, 9runrun has raised close to $300,000 for mental-health initiatives. Earlier proceeds supported organizations and programs including The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre and Do It for Daron. Today, funds raised through the Ottawa event support the Ottawa First Responders Foundation, whose work provides financial, peer, and educational support to first responders and their families.
Supporting Those Who Carry the Weight of the Work
The need is real. First responders routinely witness trauma, tragedy and loss. They are trained to remain calm and help others through their worst moments, but the cumulative impact of that work does not simply disappear when a shift ends.
9runrun carries a simple but important message: the people who show up for us must know that we will show up for them.
Despite the seriousness of its purpose, 9runrun is also one of the most joyful events on the running calendar.
Children meet police officers, firefighters and paramedics and experience them as approachable members of their community. The Chiefs’ Chili Cook-off adds friendly competition, with the services battling for bragging rights while participants taste the entries and vote for a winner.
Traditions That Make the Finish Line Unforgettable
One of the most meaningful traditions happens at the finish line. Police, fire, and paramedic chiefs arrive in full-dress uniform to personally place medals around participants’ necks.
For a runner completing their first 5K or 10K, a child crossing the 2K finish line with a parent, or a half-marathoner reaching the end of a difficult journey, receiving a medal from a uniformed chief creates an unforgettable moment. It is a gesture of gratitude flowing in both directions: the community thanks its first responders, and first responders thank the community for standing behind them.
There is a place for everyone at 9runrun. Serious competitors chase personal bests, recreational runners enjoy the course, families walk together, children race proudly toward their medals, and volunteers make every participant feel like a champion. You do not need to be an experienced runner to belong.
That spirit has now expanded to Kingston. The Kingston 9runrun brings police, fire, paramedics, families and community members together for 2K, 5K and 10K events. Funds raised support Victim Services of Kingston and Frontenac, a 24-hour frontline agency helping people affected by crime, violence and sudden tragedy. The Kingston event carries the same traditions, energy and sense of purpose that have made 9runrun so special in Ottawa.
Growing Across Communities While Staying True to Its Heart
As 9runrun grows, its heart remains unchanged. It is about community, connection and ensuring that first responders and their families know they are seen, appreciated and supported.
They are our 9-1-1. Through 9runrun, we can be theirs.
Could a 9runrun be a good fit for your community? If your community wants to bring residents and emergency services together, celebrate local first responders and raise funds for an important local cause, 9runrun may be ready to run alongside you.
