If you’ve ever attended Rally in the Ravine — North York General’s long-running community fun-run — then it’s likely you’ll recognize Ross Durant.
At an impressive 91 years of age, Ross has completed almost every Rally course since the event’s inception. And with his registration firmly in place for Rally 2024 and his lifelong fervour for fundraising intact, Ross shows no signs of slowing down.
If you’ve ever attended Rally in the Ravine — North York General’s long-running community fun-run — then it’s likely you’ll recognize Ross Durant.
At an impressive 91 years of age, Ross has completed almost every Rally course since the event’s inception. And with his registration firmly in place for Rally 2024 and his lifelong fervour for fundraising intact, Ross shows no signs of slowing down.
“I’m constantly training,” says Ross, whose combined passion for walking and supporting his community extends to multiple events around the city per year. “I try to, at least five times a week, complete three kilometers in 45 minutes.”
So, where did this journey begin? When Ross was in his late 60s, after receiving some unfortunate health news from his NYGH care team.
“I was told that I had Type 2 Diabetes,” says Ross. “I remember saying to her, I understand that NYGH has a great diabetic clinic. Can you get me in? About an hour later, I got a call and was scheduled for a 2-hour appointment.”
Taking control of his health significantly, Ross focused at the time on his diet. “Unfortunately, one of the side effects of diabetes is heart disease. I had a heart attack in 2012 and then bypass surgery.”
“After a six-month rehab program, I was given a simple prescription: ‘Five times a week, you’re to do 5K, and you’re to do it in 45 minutes.’”
His commitment to regular exercise began at that moment, and to this day he credits that as his primary means of success. On the sixth anniversary of his heart attack, at age 85, he even ran the Toronto half-marathon.
“Since that time, my A1Cs are perfect. I’ve gone from 250 pounds to 160. In my opinion and the opinion of others, I had my annual stress test only last week, and my heart is now equal to that of a male aged 72.”
Ross, who has lived in Toronto most of his life, has been actively involved in charity work since he was 35. With an inspiring history of community-based giving, he has made the perfect connection between philanthropy and his newfound passion for running.
“My dad was one of the original fundraisers for NYGH. My wife served on its boards. I’ve received exceptional care at NYGH. My history goes back a long way with the hospital.”
Ross encourages anyone to participate in Rally in the Ravine, regardless of age, ensuring they are in good health with their medical professionals and simply coming out to enjoy the fun if unable to race.
“My doctors make sure I’m not overdoing it. Last year when I did the 5K walk, it didn’t bother me,” he says, adding that he’ll be racing again with his team, the Toronto Doctors Lions Club – Walk and Talk Diabetes.
“To anyone thinking of joining, pace yourselves and remember that there is some uphill along the way.”
Ross adds that one thing inspiring him to participate in Rally this year is its connection to supporting NYGH’s Senior’s Centre.
“My wife and I both have disabilities right now,” he says. “If something happens to us, one of us might need a senior’s residence or a place like NYGH. We know people are going to require what North York is providing.”
“North York General does what the GTA community needs. Before NYGH, there wasn’t anything north of Sunnybrook. I’ve had great care, and I’m happy to give back.”
Pull up your socks and lace up your running shoes – it’s time for Rally in the Ravine in support of North York General! This one-day event features a 1KM, 5KM, 10KM and Kids Mini Rally, and also has great food, vendors, and other exciting on-site activities.
Join us with your family and friends to celebrate NYGH and its incredible staff who go above and beyond every day to provide the kind of care everyone deserves. Funds will support the hospitals’ areas of greatest needs.
