Spotlight on Staff

March 2023

akili-run

Akili Aitcheson and Danielle Lapthorne laced up for the 2023 Chilly Half marathon in support of the Joseph Brant Hospital and Foundation earlier this month.

Akili, who provides administrative support for Dentistry Operations, has been running since childhood. And Danielle, Program Administrator for Undergraduate Dental Education, first signed up for a "Learn to Run" race in 2009. This is Danielle's 12th race. In 2018, she ran a marathon in Toledo, Ohio, and she has also done the 30-km Around the Bay race in Hamilton twice.

They both highly recommend running to others.

Danielle at the end of the race

According to Danielle, running keeps her mind busy to battle Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in the winter months, and helps pass the time when she is working toward goals year-round. Akili recommends it for the feeling of accomplishment, and adds that the training is great for every sport.

"I would encourage anyone to try and take up running," Danielle says. "I am not a natural runner but it’s not about how fast you do it, it’s just about the fact that YOU DID IT!!! That’s a celebration in itself."

When asked if they would run this race again, they both responded with a resounding yes. In fact, Akili is already signed up for next year.