The Toronto Waterfront Marathon brings people together through a shared love of running, but the reasons for taking part are often deeply personal. For some, running is a way to challenge themselves or support their own well-being. For others, it’s an opportunity to stand behind a cause that matters to them and the people they care about. For these three runners, every kilometre was an opportunity to turn that personal connection into meaningful support for Eli’s Place.
Three Runners, One Shared Purpose
For Siobhan Scott, Tom Little, and Reg Clinton, supporting Eli’s Place is an opportunity to help make a difference for people living with serious mental illness. Their stories reflect the many ways people connect with our mission, whether through family experiences, personal well-being, or the encouragement of a friend.
As Eli’s Place moves closer to opening, the support of runners and their communities helps build momentum for a different approach to mental health recovery in Canada.
Siobhan Scott
A full marathon has always been a goal of mine, after completing a half last year, I knew it was on the horizon! It was meant to be when I learned Eli’s Place had a team — a cause I deeply believe in. I just knew this was going to be the year I made it happen.
Having a sibling that has dealt with mental health challenges, I’ve witnessed the gap in healthcare that Eli’s Place mission aims to fill. Being able to give back to a cause so close to my family and my heart really means the world.
Supporting Eli’s Place as it approaches its anticipated launch means so much, really beyond words. My fundraising goal was $500, and I’m already over $1000. My hope was to support those who need it most, and my community has really shown up to support me! I’ve been overwhelmed with friends’, family’s, and even colleagues’ generosity.
At Eli’s Place, the holistic approach is what particularly resonates with me. I think it’s so important. It’s more than treatment; it’s building a community and support system that is so desperately needed for individuals dealing with mental health challenges. I’m most looking forward to seeing Eli’s Place support those who may have otherwise been left behind in the gaps across our healthcare system and support them on their journeys.
Tom Little
“I run for my mental health. On October 18th I run for people who need mental health treatment.”
By way of background, I am the brother of Kate Kostandoff and the father of Emma Little, a member of Eli’s Place Peer Advisory. Kate, Emma, my wife, Marnie, and I are long-standing supporters of Eli’s Place.
I am a retired lawyer and investment banker. I am also a runner. I started running at the age of 41 and completed my first marathon in New York in 2002. After running several more marathons in New York and Chicago, I managed to qualify for Boston in 2010 and ran the Boston marathon in 2011.
I took a break from running marathons until our son, Thomas, asked me to run a marathon with him. Thomas and I ran the Chicago marathon together in 2022, his first and my 10th marathon. It was a huge accomplishment for both of us.
I ran the Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon on October 18, 2026 in support of Eli’s Place for the second time.
Although I am 66 years old, I can still get it done.
Reg Clinton
I was inspired to run this race simply to run with my friend Tom. It was through him that I found out about this organization and was quickly motivated to support the cause.
I have been witness to several people in my career and through my life that could use a little help navigating their path to a better place mentally. For those that need a break from where they are, find help and get to where they are better, this organization provides just that.
For me, having animals and farming in my life, I also understand just how important it can be to work hard for other plants and beings that are dependent on you for their needs. Along the way they help you realize goodness within, and that is something to build off for all parts of the journey! I look forward to seeing Eli’s place fill a space for people seeking a better them.
Running Together for Recovery
Siobhan, Tom, and Reg each have their own reasons for supporting Eli’s Place, but their stories share a common thread: the belief that people deserve the support they need to move forward.
Their participation in the Toronto Waterfront Marathon reflects how individual efforts can contribute to something bigger. Every kilometre run and every donation helps build awareness and support for a new approach to recovery for young adults living with serious mental illness.
We’re grateful to these runners and the communities standing behind them as Eli’s Place opens its doors.
Eli’s Place Communications Team
Eli’s Place blogs are developed & written by the Eli’s Place Editorial Team — a collaboration between staff and volunteers committed to raising awareness about serious mental illness in Canada. We aim to inform, inspire, and engage with readers.
- Eli’s Place Communications Team
- Eli’s Place Communications Team
- Eli’s Place Communications Team
- Eli’s Place Communications Team
