A mom, runner and Guinness World Record holder, Dani Filipek, will lace her shoes up once again for the Community Strong Race Weekend, running the 10K while pushing her three children in a triple stroller.
Taking place on June 21 and 22, this event raises funds for local youth mental health programs through the Algoma Family Services Foundation.
For Filipek, running is deeply personal — not only as an elite athlete but also as a mother. “Running helps me feel like myself,” she says in a news release issued today.
“Motherhood has it’s challenges. You feel like you’re pulled in a lot of directions, and running helps me come back to the moment and be myself. Often, I don’t know what my day will bring, but I’ll always have running to help ground me.”
Last year, she also completed the Community Strong 10K with her children — aged four, two, and just five months — in a triple stroller.
Anyone interested in taking part in the race or volunteering can click here for more information.
For more information, see the press release below.
Accomplished runner and Guinness World Record holder, Dani Filipek, will once again take part in the Community Strong Race Weekend in Sault Ste. Marie with her three young children in tow as she runs the 10K race pushing a triple stroller.
The event, just one month away, is more than just a race, it is a powerful community fundraiser supporting youth mental health programs across the Algoma Region through the Algoma Family Services Foundation.
For Dani, running is deeply personal — not only as an elite athlete but also as a mother. “Running helps me feel like myself,” she says. “Motherhood has it’s challenges. You feel like you’re pulled in a lot of directions, and running helps me come back to the moment and be myself. Often, I don’t know what my day will bring, but I’ll always have running to help ground me.”
Dani is no stranger to using her feet to fuel change. Despite qualifying for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials in the marathon and being crowned the U.S. 50-Mile Trail Champion, her most meaningful runs are the ones that raise awareness for those in need. One of her most powerful efforts was a 340-mile journey to raise awareness for domestic and sexual abuse survivors. “It wasn’t me running — it was everyone else. I was running for them.”
Last year, Dani completed the Community Strong 10K with her children — aged 4, 2, and just 5 months — in a triple stroller. She will do it again this year, showing that fitness, family, and purpose can go hand in hand.
Her participation helps amplify the Race Weekend’s message: that youth mental health is a cause everyone can rally behind. “If my child ever needed help, I’d want them to have the best support possible,” says Dani. “It’s a life-saving field, and it takes all of us — community, parents, runners, volunteers — to wrap our arms around our kids and make those services available.”
Now officially recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records for running the fastest stroller mile (6 minutes and 41 seconds) with a triple stroller at the Detroit Marathon, Dani brings not only her athletic excellence but also a heartfelt reminder that every step counts.
“Running can raise awareness,” she says. “It’s about seeing people come together from all walks of life. When you run, you’re part of something bigger. We’re not just racing — we’re changing lives.”
Community Strong Race Weekend takes place in Sault Ste. Marie one month from now. All proceeds go directly to local youth mental health initiatives. You can sign up to take part in the race, volunteer or come out to show your support! Visit SaultStrong.ca for more details.