110 kilometres for 110 years: A community run that remembers and celebrates togetherness

TORONTOHYE—At first glance, the idea sounds ambitious: run 110 kilometres over 24 hours in honour of the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. But for the Armenian Youth Federation of Canada (AYF Canada) AYF Canada "Simon Zavarian" Chapter of Toronto, the number isn’t just symbolic—they say it’s a call to action.

This April, rather than travelling to Ottawa as in years past, the Toronto Armenian community, alongside others across Canada, made a decision to mark the anniversary through local initiatives. The idea was to decentralize the traditional commemoration and encourage meaningful, community-based actions. In that spirit, a group of young Armenians in Toronto is staying local and lacing up. Over the course of two days, they’ll run, walk, and move together in an initiative designed not only to commemorate a historic tragedy but to build momentum for the future. It's called ‘110 km for 110 Years,’ and it’s as much about togetherness as it is about remembrance.

The idea was inspired by two long-time AYF supporters, dedicated community members, and avid runners, Sam Manoukian and Albert Ajemian, whose dedication to running helped spark the chapter’s planning for the event. With this year’s anniversary marking a significant milestone, chapter members felt the time was right to try something new—something that would ground the Armenian Genocide’s remembrance within the community while encouraging participation and collective purpose.

“Traditionally, we travel to Ottawa to commemorate the Armenian Genocide,” said Christ Ketenjian, chair of the Simon Zavarian chapter. “But this year is different. With it marking the 110th anniversary, we wanted to do something just as meaningful—something that still honours our past while uniting us in purpose.”

The event will begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2025, and conclude at 12 p.m. on Sunday, April 27. The route is designed as a series of loops beginning and ending at the Armenian Community Centre of Toronto (ACC), reinforcing the communal nature of the effort. A small, dedicated group of runners, including Manoukian and Ajemian, will be attempting the full 110-kilometre distance.

“For us, this run isn’t just about distance,” Ketenjian explained. “It’s about bringing our community together, as we always do on April 24.”

To encourage broader participation, the event includes two final segments open to all: a ten-kilometre run or a five-kilometre walk on the final morning. These stretches give everyone a chance to take part in the closing moments of the run and help carry it across the finish line. The initiative is also a fundraiser. A portion of the proceeds will support the Armenian Relief Society’s (ARS) ‘Hearths of Hope’ program, which is focused on building rent-free homes for displaced families from Artsakh in the Shirak region.

“These homes aren’t just buildings; they’re meant to be a fresh start, a safe haven, and a place to rebuild lives and community,” said Ketenjian. “Sometimes, we take for granted the strength of the one we’ve built here in Toronto. The support, the connections, the second home many of us have found at the Armenian Community Centre of Toronto - Թորոնթոյի Հայ Կեդրոն. That centre has shaped who we are, and we hope the families receiving these homes can one day feel that same sense of belonging again.”

Since February, chapter members have set up a table every Sunday at the entrance of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, offering information about the run and collecting donations. The group has also been active online, especially on Instagram (@ayftoronto), where they’ve been posting videos, event updates, and testimonials from members. AYF Toronto has reached out to local businesses for sponsorship opportunities, encouraging them to get involved.

“Community members can get involved in many different ways—whether it’s by running, walking, cheering on the participants, donating, or even doing all of the above,” said Ketenjian.

The planning committee, made up entirely of AYF members, has been organizing the initiative over the past several months, handling logistics, outreach, and promotion. With the date approaching, the energy surrounding the event is building—not just around the physical challenge, but around what it represents.

While running 110 kilometres may seem daunting, the focus remains on participation. Whether you’re running ten kilometres, walking five kilometres, or supporting from the sidelines, the community's presence matters. “This run is about more than endurance,” said Ketenjian. “It’s a way of remembering, connecting, and supporting each other. That’s what this anniversary calls for.”

For more information or to donate, visit the AYF Toronto Instagram page (@ayftoronto) and follow the link in their bio.

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(This image was created in part using artificial intelligence.)