This autumn, several daring volunteers, clad in their goofiest costumes or most pristine uniforms, will make their way to battle in a competition of strength and fortitude. They will embark on a 100-ft race with a 10-plus tonne fire truck in tow behind them, hauled forth by their teamwork alone. Indeed, the Ottawa Fire Truck Pull is happening soon, and you don’t want to miss it.
Happening at Aberdeen Plaza in Lansdowne Park on Saturday, October 5, the Ottawa Fire Truck Pull is an annual family-friendly competition where teams of 10 can sign up to pull an Ottawa Fire Service fire truck 100 feet as fast as they can.
Teams are invited to compete in the women’s, mixed, or open competition, vying for the number one prize in several categories, such as fastest pull and best team spirit. Teams from across the country are welcome to compete in the Coast to Coast Open Challenge, where teams representing different provinces will duel to be dubbed the fastest fire truck pullers in Canada. There will also be the Armed Forces Challenge for teams with at least five members from the armed forces and the Shawn Mathieson First Responder Challenge, open to any team with at least five first responders (firefighters, police, or paramedics).
The Ottawa Fire Truck Pull is not merely a good time for the whole family—it doubles as a fundraiser for Epilepsy Ottawa, an agency that seeks to improve the quality of life for those in our community whose lives have been affected by epilepsy.
Epilepsy Ottawa empowers individuals diagnosed with epilepsy and their families by supporting them with resources, education, advocacy, and mental health services—there are 10,000 people in our region who qualify for Epilepsy Ottawa’s support. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the event will go to Epilepsy Ottawa, and each team must raise a minimum of $1,000. The team that donates the most can look forward to winning the coveted “Most Charitable Team” award!
If you are up for the challenge, there is still time to register yourself and nine friends for the fire truck pull. Remember to curate a group costume—teams in the past have competed dressed as everything from superheroes to unicorns—and try your hand in a battle of strength to support Epilepsy Ottawa. You can register at ottawafiretruckpull.com.
For those who prefer to support from the sidelines, spectators are welcome to come on down and cheer on the competitors. Spectators are also invited to donate to Epilepsy Ottawa or to a specific team. There will be plenty to do at the event besides the fire truck pull: spectators can look forward to seeing the Bytown Fire Brigade and the 501st Legion, along with enjoying face painting and caricatures.
With fun for everyone and supporting a great cause, it is safe to say that the Ottawa Fire Truck Pull is an event that deserves to be on your calendar!
