Toronto firefighter Joseph Reid honours a Canadian icon while raising awareness on an international stage.
A familiar face with Kingston ties brought a distinctly Canadian tribute to one of the world’s most prestigious races. Joseph Reid ran the Boston Marathon on April 20 dressed as Gord Downie, catching the attention of spectators along the route.
Reid, a Toronto firefighter, was completing his seventh marathon. He said he first adopted Downie’s iconic look in 2017 as a way to celebrate Canadian culture and spark conversation during races.
The tribute also supports the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, which promotes reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples through education, awareness, and community programs.
Reid described an enthusiastic response from Boston crowds.
He added that while the costume stood out, only a small number of spectators recognized the The Tragically Hip frontman he was portraying.
Reid keeps his running modest, saying he’s not built for it.
For Reid, the run is about more than the finish line — it’s a way to carry a Canadian legacy to audiences far beyond home.
Story by Alyssa Brush
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