Now in its 25th year, the Sporting Life 10K, hosted by the iconic sports and style retailer Sporting Life, is bringing together 23,000 participants on Yonge Street this Mother’s Day, May 11, in support of Campfire Circle, a charity that provides year-round programs for kids with cancer or serious illness and their families.
Since its inception in 2000, the event has raised more than $27 million to support Campfire Circle’s hospital, community, and overnight camp programs—offering joy, connection, and healing to thousands of children and their families across Ontario, said the company.
“This event is so much more than a run—it’s a movement,” said David Russell, Founder of Sporting Life. “For 25 years, we’ve watched tens of thousands of people lace up not just for the finish line, but for a cause that touches so many. Whether you’re running for your child, your friend, or just for fun—every step helps kids facing unthinkable challenges rediscover what it means to just be a kid.”
This year’s sold-out event includes an in-person race on May 11 and a virtual option from May 11–31, allowing supporters from across Canada and beyond to participate. The event hopes to help Campfire Circle raise over $2.5 million.
“Thanks to our extraordinary and longstanding partnership with Sporting Life, this race has become a cornerstone of our community,” said Alex Robertson, CEO of Campfire Circle. “Each participant, donor, and sponsor are a part of something powerful—helping kids rediscover joy, friendship, and belonging. Together, we’re building a world where children thrive and families heal.”
Funds raised will support Campfire Circle’s year-round programs at paediatric hospitals (SickKids, McMaster Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre, and CHEO), in communities across Ontario, and at two medically supported overnight camps in Muskoka and Waterford.
Founded in 1979, Sporting Life operates 14 high-end stores across Canada’s largest cities in premium malls.
Since 1983, Campfire Circle (formerly Camp Ooch & Camp Trillium) has brought healing through happiness to kids with cancer or serious illness and their families. Through our in-hospital, community, and overnight camp programs, it creates opportunities for children to build friendships and social skills, develop self-confidence and resiliency, and improve their overall well-being. By providing play-based experiences, it empowers kids to take back their childhood, regardless of their medical diagnosis.
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