Completing the 140km Riot Relays (from Toronto to Blue Mountains) as a member of the okaywego Running Team was an unforgettable journey marked by grit, laughter, and camaraderie.

Each leg of the race brought it's own set of challenges — from pounding out wild city stretches to hilly tough k’s in the pitch-dark to digging in deep during early-morning dashes on no sleep. But what made it all worthwhile was the unwavering support and inspiration from teammates who pushed through their own limits while lifting everyone else up along the way. Every moment throughout the night was a reminder that we weren’t just racing — we were in this together.

Of course, no team does it quite like okaywego. Our support vehicle wasn’t just a little chaotic in the best way possible — it was functional and a rolling celebration of legendary-ness. Decked out in a professional paint job, vibes pumping, lights flashing and disco ball glittering, we turned heads from start to finish and brought smiles to everyone we passed along the way.

That van became our mobile clubhouse, our recovery zone, and our rallying cry. It helped keep the energy high and the spirits higher. And when our final runner crossed the line, the celebrations were electric (in a tired sort of way. mmm, coffee, so good.) — not just for the race completed, but for the new friendships forged and the memories created.

It’s wild to think back to the last time I did a race like this over 13 years ago (Reach the Beach, NH). So much has changed. Back then, there were no Instagram stories, no team TikToks, and barely a hashtag in sight (or Strava for that matter). Now, moments that would’ve lived quietly in our memories are instantly shared, celebrated, and replayed online.

Yet despite all that’s changed, some things remain constant. That deep competitive fire? Still burning. That love for the team grind, the adrenaline at the starting line and the shared pride of crossing the finish line? Just as strong as ever. This race was a powerful reminder that while the world evolves, the reasons we run — and the people we run with — matter more than ever.

Oh, and the old guy can still hang.

T-Dits