🎙 ONPARA in the News: Doug Hannum on CBC’s Here and Now

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If you’ve heard of the Tough Mudder race, you know it’s not for the faint of heart. The obstacle course is designed to test the physical and mental limits of competitors and it includes challenges with fire, water, mud, and even electricity.

For the first time, the Ontario Para Network (ONPARA) is organizing a Para Tough Mudder event in Courtland, ON (2 hours outside of Toronto), targeted specifically to para athletes. The event takes place this weekend (September 13 & 14) and will see athletes take on the legendary course with the support of their teammates.

Leading this initiative is Doug Hannum, Executive Director of ONPARA, who spoke with Ramraajh Sharvendiran on CBC Radio’s Here and Now. Doug shared his excitement about the event, highlighting how it embodies ONPARA’s commitment to inclusion, resilience, and teamwork. (CBC LISTEN, On Demand, September 5, 2025)

Para Tough Mudder

  • Date: Sunday, September 14, 2025

  • Location: Gopher Dunes, Courtland, ON (439 2nd Concession Road Street, Courtland, ON N0J 1E0)

  • Format: Para athletes will compete with the support of up to three teammates to navigate the course.

  • Course Options: Choose from a 5K (12 obstacles) or 15K (20 obstacles) adventure.

Why It Matters

This event marks a groundbreaking step in making endurance sport inclusive and accessible. Athletes will face the same signature challenges as Tough Mudder participants worldwide—teamwork, resilience, and grit—while showing that adaptive sport belongs at the heart of Canada’s athletic landscape.

Voices of Strength

Doug Hannum, Executive Director of ONPARA and leader of the Para Tough Mudder initiative, joined CBC’s Here and Now to share his excitement:

Ontario Para Network is organising a Tough Mudder event in Toronto | Here and Now Toronto | On Demand | CBC Listen

Get Involved

  • Athletes: Contact doug@onpara.ca to register and receive a 50% discount code.

  • Spectators & Supporters: Join us at Tough Mudder to cheer on the athletes, or sign up for the open heats through the Tough Mudder website.

Whether you’re competing or cheering from the sidelines, this event is history in the making. Join us to witness the grit, determination, and unstoppable spirit of Canada’s para athletes.