This weekend marks the second annual “Finish the Run” in Toronto, and anyone in the region is invited to join.
On July 20, 2024, SarahRose Black set out on a long marathon training run, but just a few kilometres in, she was randomly and violently attacked on Toronto’s Yonge Street, in broad daylight. The aftermath included emergency medical care, months of dental reconstruction and a long physical and emotional recovery. That moment altered not just her training season, but her entire sense of safety on the run. But rather than let fear define her relationship with running, Black chose to reclaim her run and the sense of joy and freedom the sport gives her, and in doing so, raise awareness and funds toward ending gender-based violence.
Just over a month after the attack, Black organized the first “Finish the Run”—a community event born in collaboration with her run crew, ChixRunthe6ix, based on the powerful but simple idea of returning to the site of the attack and finishing the 20 kilometres she hadn’t been able to complete that day. And the second annual Finish the Run will be held on Sunday, July 20, (details below).
Turning fear into movement
The first Finish the Run, held on Aug. 25, 2024, drew well over 100 runners and finished with a celebration at Oliver Coffee Bar and a raffle that raised more than $4,000 for METRAC, an organization dedicated to ending gender-based violence. “I was absolutely blown away by the dozens and dozens of runners and supporters who showed up,” Black told Canadian Running. “We had no idea what to expect—but the energy and support were incredible.”
Beyond the finish line
Since the attack, Black has completed two marathons, spoken on safety panels and remained a vocal advocate for change. She credits much of her recovery and resilience to Toronto’s running community and the medical professionals who supported her through the months that followed. “I feel incredibly hopeful that we are moving towards a safer society,” she says. “But there is still so much work left to do.”
She also acknowledges how privileged she was to have access to emergency care, legal representation and an immediate support network—things not everyone affected by violence can rely on. That reality fuels her commitment to supporting METRAC and pushing for broader change.
Black has a rich work and family life outside of her advocacy: she is a music therapist and psychotherapist, and is often found performing or speaking at events in the city with her husband Andrew, a professional cellist, about the healing potential of music. She is also a mom to a busy three-year-old son.
Join Finish the Run 2025
This year, Finish the Run returns on the one-year anniversary of the attack. There will be options for a 20K run, a 5K run or walk and a social after-party at Oliver Coffee Bar. Donations will once again support METRAC’s vital work. Whether you run, walk, or show up in solidarity, all are welcome. For more information or to donate to METRAC, click here.
If you’re interested in joining the 20K run, you can find the directions to the route here; it kicks off at 8:00 am.
To participate in the 5K run or walk, you can find the directions to the route here; it starts at 10 a.m.
