Tannenbaum 10K History

Why are we called Tannenbaum?

It’s simple, and here’s why, and it has nothing to do with the famous Toronto Tanenbaum family!

Word Origin – noun, plural Tannenbäume

[tah-nuh n-boi-muh] English, Tannenbaums. German.
1. a Christmas tree.
Origin of Tannenbaum
literally, fir tree

You see, our 1st race was in late December 2005, right near Christmas. But of course, we are supporters of all faiths and holidays!

‘How it all began’

Tannenbaum was created bc there was a need for a 10k race LATE in December! The last Beaches Running Room 10k clinic of the year never had a goal race. There are a few 5k races throughout the city in Dec, but 10k? Nope!
It was a great way to get the whole neighbourhood involved!
One of our first donation requests was for a case of bananas from Valuemart!
It’s obviously come a long way from bananas!
Between original Race Director Janice Tripp and Running Room instructor Rina Kang, they would bake cookies for the finish line too. We’d never be able to do that now!

The very first race had about 40 participants.

The medal for the first 2 years was designed by Kristie Vinet. She captured the lifeguard house and boardwalk on it beautifully. We couldn’t afford to pay her so she received payment in the form of one race entry and of course a medal at the finish line!

The race was clock timed the first 2 years, then became chip timed year 3.

So, the race has naturally grown over the years, with other original co-race-director Janice Trip and her son Rob, working hard to promote and grow the race. It became too much for their small team so it was handed over to myself and Duff McLaren along with big support from The Beaches Runners Club members who have been able to continue to grow the race to what it is today.

The 12th Running is upon us and is looking to be another hit, and just so you know, the plans for Version 12 in 2017 are going to knock your compression socks off!

~Dave Emilio