Trillium Foundation grant sets Limestone City up to ‘Beat Beethoven’ with the Kingston Symphony

The Kingston Symphony’s beloved Beat Beethoven race is now officially set to return for 2022 thanks to support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) through a $15,300 Resilient Communities Fund grant.

The mission of the OTF is to build healthy and vibrant communities across Ontario, according to a release from Kingston Symphony. Last year, OTF invested nearly $209 million into 2,042 community projects and partnerships. Since 2020, OTF has supported Ontario’s economic recovery by helping non-profit organizations rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19, according to the release.

For almost 30 years, thousands of participants have challenged themselves to finish an 8 km race or a 4 km fun run/walk through downtown Kingston before the Kingston Symphony has finished playing 50 minutes of Beethoven’s best music. And for 2022, they’re doing things a little differently.

From now until the end of June, join the Kingston Symphony for a virtual event that will “feed your body and your soul.” According to a release from the Symphony, it’s the perfect time to get out for a walk or a run in the name of putting Beethoven in his place. Take to a racetrack of your choosing whether it be a hiking trail, a city street, or a treadmill and once again challenge yourself to beat Beethoven!

“This year’s event offers everyone, regardless of age, ability or level of fitness, a chance to participate, whether they run or walk the official Beat Beethoven route or create their own,” said Music Director Evan Mitchell. “We saw at last year’s virtual event that families, groups of friends, and colleagues signed up to complete the race on their own and we hope that we can encourage as many members of our community and beyond to do the same this year. We are very excited to be able to provide a soundtrack for the run too, thanks to the support of the OTF. All participants will receive a link to a live performance of the Kingston Symphony performing Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3, the Eroica.”

Remember to send photos of you and your team completing the Beat Beethoven challenge, and the Symphony may feature them on social media this month. Visit their website at www.beatbeethovenkingston.com to register and for more details.