Dione Mason’s Toronto Carnival Run is redefining representation in outdoor spaces by uniting community, culture, and wellness through movement and celebration.
For years, the world of running and outdoor recreation has lacked the diversity to reflect the communities it serves. The faces featured in athletic campaigns and even the participants in local races have too often represented a narrow slice of society. But in Toronto, one woman is shifting the narrative—step by step, mile by mile.
Dione Mason, founder and race director of the Toronto Carnival Run, has built more than a fun summer event. Since 2016, she’s cultivated a space where cultural celebration meets wellness, and where the African diaspora and its allies can find joyful, affirming visibility in the outdoors. Her work tackles long-standing barriers to inclusion—economic, cultural, and systemic—and replaces them with opportunities for movement, pride, and community connection.
Building a movement through movement
The idea for the Toronto Carnival Run was born out of Dione’s personal and professional experience. As a fitness and lifestyle coach with over 20 years of experience in the industry, she has consistently observed the lack of diversity in gyms, group classes, and running spaces.
“I was often the only Black person in the room,” she recalled. “I saw how physical activity improved not only our bodies but our mental health. I thought—what could I do from my corner of the world to uplift our community?”
That “corner” became a national force. With a vision to bridge health, heritage, and hope, Dione launched Canada’s first Caribbean-inspired running event. Her goal? To normalize and celebrate Black presence in outdoor fitness culture while fostering lasting health habits.
Overcoming challenges with purpose
Bringing the Toronto Carnival Run to life hasn’t been without obstacles. Funding remains a persistent challenge—one that has required Dione to invest her own money to keep the event going. Equally complex has been convincing some within the Black community of the value of participating in organized fitness events.
“There's this misconception that running isn’t for us,” she explained. “But representation matters. If you don’t see yourself in the space, you’re less likely to feel welcome.”
Rather than wait for institutions to catch up, Dione has created her own inclusive platform—welcoming participants of all backgrounds, fitness levels, and abilities. From adaptive athletes with prosthetics to newcomers walking their first 5K, everyone is invited to move in their own way.
Carnival meets community
More than a race, the Toronto Carnival Run is a cultural experience. Set along Toronto’s Martin Goodman Trail, the event runs a similar path to the famed Toronto Caribbean Carnival parade. Participants are encouraged to wear their national flags, groove to island rhythms, and savour Caribbean-inspired cuisine after crossing the finish line.
“This event reminds people that Carnival was a celebration of emancipation—of freedom,” said Dione. “It’s about physical and mental liberation.”
With costumed dancers, lively DJs, and a post-run breakfast, the event feels more like a block party than a competition. Yet, it’s also a gateway to healthier living. Many participants use it as motivation to train, often continuing those habits long after the medals are handed out.
A platform for empowerment
The run is also a fundraiser for the Simunye Foundation (meaning “we are one” in Zulu), an organization Dione founded to support long-term education and celebration of Black Canadian culture.
Her ultimate goal? To establish a permanent museum and cultural centre chronicling the African diaspora in Canada—something she believes is critically missing in the national narrative.
“So much of our history is scattered,” she said. “We need a space that honours our past, celebrates our present, and looks toward our future.”
Shaping a new wellness landscape
Over the past nine years, the Toronto Carnival Run has grown from 100 participants to nearly 1,000, with runners travelling from as far as Germany, Hong Kong, and the United States. Yet Dione has stayed grounded in her core mission: accessibility, inclusion, and joy.
She’s also seen ripple effects. More culturally grounded running groups are popping up across Toronto, such as the Ultra Black Running Group, which meets in the same area as the Carnival Run. These spaces offer support, safety, and camaraderie for runners who have long felt out of place elsewhere.
Still, systemic barriers remain. “Many in our community are working multiple jobs just to survive,” she pointed out. “Health and fitness often feel like luxuries. But I want people to know it doesn’t have to be complicated. It can start with a walk around the block.”
Looking ahead: Sustaining the vision
As the only Black race director in Canada overseeing a major public event, Dione is acutely aware of the fragility of initiatives like hers. Her hope for the next five to ten years is not only growth—but sustainability and ownership.
“Too often, our ideas are co-opted,” she said. “I want to see more Black-owned businesses and organizations support this. I want to build generational wealth through fitness and culture—not just put on a good show once a year.”
She’s also calling for deeper partnerships—from funders and institutions that recognize the power of grassroots, Black-led initiatives. Because this isn’t just about a race. It’s about redefining what wellness looks like, who it belongs to, and how it’s celebrated.
What to expect on race day
Held each July along Toronto’s lakeshore, the event welcomes runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. With distances including a 10K, 5K, and Kids’ 1K, the Carnival Run offers something for everyone.
Participants can expect:
- A scenic course along the Martin Goodman Trail, starting at Sir Casimir Gzowski Park
- A lively warm-up, led by local fitness instructors
- Caribbean music, dancers in vibrant costumes, and community cheer squads
- Island-inspired breakfast and a festive atmosphere after the race
- A race shirt celebrating inclusivity, with illustrations of participants from diverse age groups and physical abilities
Volunteers—many of whom are high school students fulfilling their service hours—play a vital role in keeping the event safe and enjoyable. Planning committees, course marshals, hydration station teams, and community liaisons are all part of the behind-the-scenes effort that makes race day seamless.
How to get involved
Whether you’re a curious first-timer or a business looking to sponsor, there are multiple ways to support the Toronto Carnival Run:
- Register to run or walk: Choose your distance and sign up at torontocarnivalrun.com
- Volunteer: Help with logistics, cheer on participants, or staff water stations
- Sponsor or partner: Businesses can showcase their brand while investing in inclusive health and culture
- Spread the word: Share the event on social media and within your community
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