The SuperPower 5K: Meet the Dark Knight Runner
The Dark Knight Runner first appeared on the running scene in October 2013 at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Inspired by a photo he had seen of four people dressed as superheroes washing the windows of a children’s hospital in Pittsburgh, and the message of happiness and hope it represented, JP decided to run his first marathon dressed as Batman. The happiness and hope he would be sharing as he ran would be in support of a cause close to his heart.In 1983, at the age of seven, JP was rushed to SickKids and treated for a ruptured appendix. That experience stuck with him and is the reason why he chose to dedicate his first marathon to SickKids.
“Finishing a marathon has many purposes for those who run, but I knew this would be a great time to do something for the hospital that saved my life,” said JP.
After surpassing his initial fundraising goal of $500 and reaching close to $1,100, JP ran his first marathon dressed as Batman.
“The day of the race was the best day of my life,” said JP. “The support from the crowd was something I had never felt before. The image of Batman running for charity resonated with so many. To see the faces of the young children along the route light up and offer up a high five was just amazing.”
JP has carried that feeling through five years of races. And he has picked up friends along the way. After getting noticed on social media, others became inspired to run as a superhero and raise funds for charity as well. Soon after, the Justice League Runners was formed, and superheroes could be found running at races across the city.
This August, JP will run for the last time as The Dark Knight Runner.
“I poured my heart and soul into my training for these races as Batman over the past five years. I'll always look back on that time in my life that helped shape me in so many ways with fondness,” said JP, when asked why he has decided to hang up the bat suit. “Now, there are personal goals, both in career and running, that I'm ready to give as much attention to with the same intensity as Batman would do.”
Fittingly, his last race as The Dark Knight Runner will be the SuperPower 5K in support of SickKids. Taking place on Toronto Island on Thursday, August 30, participants are encouraged to dress in their favourite costume and show their superpower abilities along a fun 5K (or shorter 3K) route.
If you would like to run alongside The Dark Knight Runner on his last race, register today for the SuperPower 5K. For a discount on your registration, use code SICKKIDS. After you’ve registered, you can then sign up to raise funds in support of SickKids.
As for JP, his passion for running has led him to a role at the Running Room and a goal to run the Boston Marathon by 2020. He also will begin studies this fall to become an occupational therapist.
“In 2011, I signed up at a Running Room store for a learn-to-run clinic,” said JP. “After completing my first 5K, I jumped right into training for a half-marathon, discovering along the way that running was becoming an integral part of my life. I’m thrilled that, in the process, I’ve been able to inspire people and to raise a lot of money for SickKids.”
JP has carried that feeling through five years of races. And he has picked up friends along the way. After getting noticed on social media, others became inspired to run as a superhero and raise funds for charity as well. Soon after, the Justice League Runners was formed, and superheroes could be found running at races across the city.
"The image of Batman running for charity resonated with so many."
“I poured my heart and soul into my training for these races as Batman over the past five years. I'll always look back on that time in my life that helped shape me in so many ways with fondness,” said JP, when asked why he has decided to hang up the bat suit. “Now, there are personal goals, both in career and running, that I'm ready to give as much attention to with the same intensity as Batman would do.”
Fittingly, his last race as The Dark Knight Runner will be the SuperPower 5K in support of SickKids. Taking place on Toronto Island on Thursday, August 30, participants are encouraged to dress in their favourite costume and show their superpower abilities along a fun 5K (or shorter 3K) route.
If you would like to run alongside The Dark Knight Runner on his last race, register today for the SuperPower 5K. For a discount on your registration, use code SICKKIDS. After you’ve registered, you can then sign up to raise funds in support of SickKids.
As for JP, his passion for running has led him to a role at the Running Room and a goal to run the Boston Marathon by 2020. He also will begin studies this fall to become an occupational therapist.
“In 2011, I signed up at a Running Room store for a learn-to-run clinic,” said JP. “After completing my first 5K, I jumped right into training for a half-marathon, discovering along the way that running was becoming an integral part of my life. I’m thrilled that, in the process, I’ve been able to inspire people and to raise a lot of money for SickKids.”
