Community Support in Manitoba Isn't a Race — It's a Marathon

When Rachel Munday became the executive director of the Manitoba Marathon ten years ago, the event was still in its infancy. What's it grown into has exceeded everyone's expectations.

“When I started, we did one race a year, now in 2025, we have nine,” Rachel says. “We’ve gone from a once-a-year event to a year-round community contributor.”

The Manitoba Marathon kicked off in 1979 and since then has become the biggest sporting event in the province. Every year, it attracts between 12,000 and 14,000 runners. Taking place on Father’s Day each June, the event brings in participants from throughout Canada and other parts of the world. It's mission from the get go has been to raise funds for Manitobans with intellectual disabilities. The proceeds raised have supported individuals seeking to transition from institutional care to independent living. As well, it offers support for their families and programs that help them thrive.

“Our commitment hasn’t wavered since day one,” Rachel says. “Every runner who signs up is helping make life better for someone in Manitoba.”

Today, the 42.2 km race is still the principal attraction but there are now other events throughout the year meant to engage runners from all backgrounds. In January, the Hot Chocolate Hustle sees runners take on a 10k winter trail race with a pancake breakfast and hot chocolate awaiting the participants at the finish line. In April, meanwhile the Fast and Furry event encourages participants to bring their dogs along for the fun in support of the local pet rescue.

“We get about 500 people running with their dogs,” Rachel says. “You can imagine the scene, it’s pure joy.”

Then there's the brewery runs. Each year three smaller runs incorporate local craft beer, food trucks, and DJs for a memorable day of fitness and fun. And finally in May, there's a seed-planting event that draws over 1,500 children.

“We want people to know that running is for everyone,” Rachel says. “You don’t have to be an elite athlete to get involved.”

Rachel herself wasn't a star athlete when she decided to get active.

“I started running at 30,” she recalls. “I wasn’t sporty growing up, but my kids were young, and running was an easy way to get out of the house for 20 minutes. It doesn’t cost much, all you need is a pair of shoes.”

What started as a hoppy turned into a passion. Along with friends, she started training for marathons and half marathons. This eventually lead to her joining The Running Room, where she managed retail operations and supported 60 events a year across Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

“Running changed my life and the trajectory of my career,” she says. “It opened the door to everything I’m doing now.”

Her role at the Manitoba Marathon blends leadership and practical coordination. Rachel is in charge of accounting, payroll, HR, and permits. She also serves as director for all races. In the lead up to individual events, she gets pretty swamped.

“We usually need 12–15 vehicles before, during, and after the race,” Rachel says. “There’s equipment to move, aid stations to set up, signage to install, and then everything has to be taken down and stored afterward.”

And that’s where Two Small Men with Big Hearts came in.

“Two Small Men are known for their philanthropy and community involvement,” Rachel says. “When we reached out, they immediately understood what we were trying to do and how they could help.”

Two Small Men has been the Marathon’s main transport and logistics support partner since 2022. They help get equipment to locations before the races even begin and bring everything back when the races are done.

“As a registered charity, every dollar we can save goes back to the runners’ experience and the community,” Rachel says. “Two Small Men makes that possible.”

Two Small Men proved to be especially useful in 2024 when it was time for the Manitoba Marathon to move its offices in December, in Winnipeg, in minus 35°C weather.

“Moving a warehouse isn’t like moving a house,” Rachel says. “It’s 400 Gatorade jugs, inflatable arches, miles of signage, 200,000 compostable cups… a completely random assortment. Some things are heavy, some are light, and nothing fits neatly in a box.”

In total it was a two-day move in decidedly not-great conditions.

“Their team handled it like troopers,” Rachel recalls. “It was above and beyond their call of duty.”

Everyone was happy after the move because of the safer location and the fact they were now closer to the Marathon’s event site.

“Now I can see the event site from my window,” she says. “It’s a much better fit for us.”

It's these partnerships that keep the race going.

“Our community partners are the lifeblood of our event,” she says. “Registration fees alone could never cover the cost of putting on something this size. Partnerships are a win-win, our partners get visibility in a great community event, and we get to save money and put it back into the cause.”

The two organizations work well together because they ultimately align on the same values.

“They believe in giving back, just like we do,” Rachel says. “That shared commitment makes them more than a vendor. They’re part of the team.”

The 50th anniversary of the Manitoba Marathon is already approaching and Rachel is working on ways to make this edition extra special, but she can't do it alone.

“Every dollar we don’t spend on logistics is a dollar we can give back,” she says. “Two Small Men’s support makes that possible and keeps us moving forward, literally.”

If you’d like to learn more about the Manitoba Marathon, visit manitobamarathon.mb.ca

To find out more about Two Small Men with Big Hearts Moving and the many organizations they have given back to over the years, click here.