In 2004, Steve Matusch had an idea to create a race that runners would look forward to and remember. He asked his good friend and Sudbury running legend, Vince Perdue to help him plan and direct the race. Below is an abridged history of SudburyROCKS!!!

Race, Run, Walk for the Health of it. In the first year (2005), the race started at Lily Creek. There were 450 runners, which exceeded the facility capacity, so the event had to relocate.

In the second year, the marathon distance was added (Boston qualifier), and the event moved to Science North. There were 1,000 runners, and the event was larger than the facility could hold. Once again, we had to move.

For the third year, the event moved to Durham St. and launched in front of the YMCA. For the next few years, the start line would be located here, and the event grew to almost 2,000 people by 2014

In 2014 the event moved again to start on Minto St, where it has remained since. In 2008 the event has seen additions like the Celebrity Challenge (won by Randy Pascal), which has been very successful in promoting the event. Another success was the addition of an 8 person marathon relay in 2011 that allowed those unable or unwilling to tackle the full marathon alone to be involved in the big event.

In 2020, the event had to pivot to virtual due to COVID. Most sponsors, and many runners stayed on board to weather the storm. We are looking forward to returning back to an in-person event in 2023, and we can’t wait to have this legacy event return in all of its glory! The event has run in almost every type of weather. Sub-zero temperatures, snow, high winds, hot days, and the odd time we even had excellent conditions. In every case, the run went off very well.

The SudburyROCKS!!! Run, Race, Walk for the Health of it has been supported well by the Police Services, the City, and the Community through the years. Many thanks go out to all involved, as an event of this magnitude cannot be successful without the businesses, individuals, organizations, and families that sponsor, volunteer, spread the word, and participate!

The goal when SudburyROCKS!!! Race, Run, Walk for the Health of it was first dreamt up way back in the summer of 2004 was to put on a professional fundraising event equal to any event out there, with the hope of drawing 1000+ participants and give them an experience that they would remember fondly, share with their friends, and return to. These objectives have clearly been met.

Runners - race day is less than two weeks away! Register today, have your friends and family donate to you, and help support those receiving care at the Northeast Cancer Centre.

All information and Registration here