Hi there! My name is Joshua Manabat, and this October, I’ll be taking on the 2026 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon alongside my twin brother, Jason.

Jason has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, but it has never stopped him from embracing life with full enthusiasm or from sharing his love of running with our family. For the past four years, we've participated together in the Achilles Canada St. Patrick's 5K here in Toronto, and with every race, Jason's goals have grown.

This year, he has his sights set on something we’ve never done before: completing a full marathon together, with me pushing him for all 42.2 kilometres. Anyone who has met Jason on a race course knows the impact he has. While most participants are focused on the finish line, Jason spends the entire race encouraging others, cheering on strangers, and celebrating every person he meets. The wheelchair we currently use is an everyday mobility chair that struggles even at 5K distances. As our training distances increase, it’s becoming clear that we need a proper running chair that can safely and comfortably carry Jason.

We’re raising funds toward a Kartus running chair, which is specifically designed for adaptive running and would allow Jason to participate much more safely and comfortably over long distances. This chair would mean more than getting us through one marathon as it would give Jason the opportunity to continue participating in races, set bigger goals, and be part of a running community that he brings so much joy to.

The Kartus running chair costs $5,367.48 CAD including tax and shipping. Any contribution, no matter the amount, would bring us closer to the start line together. Any additional donations raised will go towards other running gear that will support Jason's journey. If you’re unable to donate, sharing our story would mean just as much!

If you would like to donate directly, please feel free to contact any one of us: Joshua Manabat, Justin Manabat, JP Manabat, Larissa Parekh, or Alliza Vitto.

Thank you for supporting Jason and I as we take on 42.2 kilometres together. We can’t wait to see you out on the course this October!