It wasn't a traditional marathon for skilled runners, but given the hot, humid weather that may have been for the best.
A few dozen Londoners laced up their running shoes for fun and to raise money in the Classic Rock 98.1 1K Marathon through the downtown Friday.
"We dreamed this up a long time ago and then finally in a meeting last month we said let's do this. It will be fun to take advantage of our awesome frontage at the station and find a way to tie it into #DigginDundas and Dundas Place and everything that's happening there," said Steve Stax, host of Classic Rock Mornings on 98.1.
From the radio station's studio located at Richmond St. and Piccadilly St., the group dressed in creative workout gear, headed south on Richond Row to Dundas St. That was where the construction crews working on Dundas Place were waiting with popsicles.
The 1K marathon runners then continued down Dundas, popping into Cameli's Pastry and Café, Fitzrays Restaurant, Latino Flavours Restaurant along the way before ending their journey at the Squire Pub and Grill.
"If nothing else the 1K marathon proved Dundas St. is open for business," joked Stax. "With all due respect to the marquis marathons, Boston and New York City, I think we can put our stamp on the 1K and make this a marquis event that people travel from all over to attend and take part in."
The unconventional race was in support of Dad Club London, a not for profit local fathers group.
"We just thought after the past couple of years since Dad Club started up that they have undertaken a number of great initatives for the community. Recently they raised funds to buy automated external defibrillators for local schools," said Classic Rock Mornings co-host Blair Henatyzen. "So you can really see the hard work they put into it. It's just guys out in the community doing what they can for each other other and their families."
President of Dad Club London Jeremy McCall said the group was excited when they were approached about the 1K.
"Anytime someone finds us worthy to support we are happy to be apart of it and this is a really cool idea," said McCall. "We are glad to be here."
The money raised from the marathon will go toward summer events hosted by Dad Club London for the Salvation Army and Men's Mission, added McCall.