The Pharmaprix Run for Women series Comes to Quebec City on September 21st celebrating women and running

Canadian Olympians offer motivation to participants of Canada's only national women's and girls race series benefiting women's mental health

QUEBEC CITY, QC, Sept. 3, 2013 /CNW/ - Pharmaprix is delighted to announce that Canada's first and only national women's and girl's running race series is expanding to 6 cities. The Pharmaprix Run for Women Series will consist of a 5K, 10K and Little Steps Girls 1K, and include a motivational talk from an iconic Canadian Olympian in each city. A portion of proceeds and participant donations will go towards women's mental health programs in each of the 6 race cities.

The events kicked off on June 22 in Unionville, Ontario, and continue throughout the summer into September. In addition to Unionville (June 22), Vancouver (July 13), and Calgary (July 27), runs will be held in Halifax (August 10), Ottawa (August 24), and Quebec City (September 21).

5-time Paralympian, Chantal Petitclerc, is the featured speaker in Quebec City.  She thrives and strives to speak to girls and women about being active and how they can succeed in the goals they set. "The Pharmaprix Run for Women Series is incredible because it brings women together to raise awareness and much needed funding for mental health programs. I believe that any challenge can be overcome if we start with education and inspiration. The Pharmaprix Run for Women celebrates what is possible. Most importantly, it's going to be a ton of fun!"

Other speakers include 5-time Olympian Hayley Wickenheiser, (Vancouver),Gold and Silver Medalist Jennifer Heil (Unionville and Calgary) and Gold medalist and Women's World Cup Rugby Leading Scorer, Heather Moyse (Halifax).The Pharmaprix Run for Women celebrates the strength and courage of women across the country, while supporting those who need it the most in our community.

The event in Quebec City will support Fondation de l'Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Québec.

According to l'Institut de la statistique du Québec, 27% of women, aged 15 and more, have lived with a mental disorder at one time in their live. Major depression is the leading cause.

Postpartum depression affects about 20% of new mothers, 10% of women will also suffer from depression during pregnancy, not to mention that one out of a thousand will face a psychosis symptom during this period. Dr. Marie-Josée Poulin is familiar with these women. She is the leader of the only perinatal psychiatric clinic in the province based at l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Québec. Each year, Dr Poulin follows between 300 and 350 women from the moment where they wish to have a baby until the child's second birthday.

Pharmaprix is delighted to be the title sponsor of the race series. "Pharmaprix has made a commitment to helping women improve their health in mind, body and spirit. The Pharmaprix Run for Women recognizes the connection between physical exercise and mental well-being, providing a great opportunity to raise awareness and funds for women's mental health programming," Sandra Sanderson, Senior Vice-President, Marketing, Pharmaprix.

The events will be organized in partnership with Running Room. Since its beginning, Running Room has made a commitment to promoting health and fitness in the community.  Running Room is more than a retail store, acting also as a resource centre for runners and walkers of all abilities. Women Only Training Programs have also been developed to address the unique needs of the female athlete.  Running Room is also proud to support hundreds to running and walking events, big and small that have a profound effect on their participants and communities.  The Pharmaprix Run for Women series is a great outlet for women to lead by example and also by assisting young girls to get active early via the Girl's 1K event.

Other sponsors include Moving Comfort who will be offering bra fitting clinics at Running Room stores leading up to each event.

For all information related to dates and times in each city, visit our website at www.runforwomen.ca, follow the conversation at Facebook/runforwomenseries of follow us on Twitter: @RunForWomen‬‬‬‬‬‬.

SOURCE: Shoppers Drug Mart Corporation

Media Contact:
Geneviève Sorel
Consultant 
514 739-1188 #248
[email protected]