For Grant Hayward, the annual Naomi Cermak Tri to Inspire has done more than its name implies.

The annual triathlon, held on campus each July, is now helping the first-year Applied Health Sciences master’s student to further his research.

Earlier this year, Hayward became the first recipient of the Naomi Cermak Graduate Student Scholarship, which is supported by funds raised through the race.

Both the triathlon and scholarship bear the name of Cermak, a Brock University master’s student and accomplished athlete who passed away in 2013 from metastatic melanoma. She was 31.

Hayward has participated in the event since its inception in 2016.

“The inaugural Tri to Inspire race was the first time I had registered in an event of this kind,” he said.“I tied for last place, but after being selected as the first recipient of the scholarship in memory of Naomi Cermak, I feel like I have come full circle.”

While he ran cross country and track in high school, Hayward admits his swimming skills haven’t always been strong.

When he was younger, he failed his beginner swimming lessons, so when a friend recommended he sign up for the triathlon, he was unsure how it would go.

“I was in the Cairns lab three summers ago and another Health Sciences student asked me if I wanted to sign up. Neither of us had ever participated in a tri before,” Hayward explained. “There was a bit of a competition between us and the Kinesiology students, so before I knew it, I was in my parents’ shed checking the chain and tires on the bike I got when I was 12.”

Despite his last-place finish, Hayward left the triathlon feeling inspired.

“The inaugural event was really well organized. I had a lot of fun and this has motivated me to continue training and participating in other local events,” he said. “Now, because of this event, I’ve completed four triathlons and have even convinced my dad to join me.”

In addition to the run itself, Hayward has found himself moved by Cermak’s story.

“I remember crossing the finish line that first year and hearing Carly Cermak say her sister never had the chance to participate in her last triathlon, which was why she was participating,” he said. “It made me realize this event had so much more meaning than I initially understood.”

Naomi Cermak, of Cambridge, Ont., attended Brock for her Master of Science in Muscle Physiology from 2004-06. She was the recipient of Brock’s Governor General’s Academic Medal and went on to complete her PhD in Exercise Physiology at McMaster University.

The annual triathlon in her name aims to bring the community together in her memory, to raise awareness of melanoma and to raise funds for the scholarship.

The endowed award in her name will now be presented annually to an enrolled graduate student at Brock University who is completing a Master of Science in Applied Health Sciences and who exhibits academic excellence, a high degree of leadership and participation in athletics.

“When I saw the scholarship come up and read the description, I thought I would try for it,” Hayward said. “I am really grateful for the award, especially knowing how Naomi’s family, friends and the Brock community has come together to help create and maintain it.”

Hayward’s research interests include examining relationships with obesity, sex differences, exercise and Alzheimer’s Disease. Recent projects he’s been involved with have looked at these factors in rural populations, as well as the effects of an acute bout of exercise on brain pathology.

“The ultimate goal of my research is to not only enhance Brock’s academic reputation, but to also highlight the importance of proper nutrition and daily physical activity,” Hayward said.  

The third annual Naomi Cermak Tri to Inspire takes place Sunday, July 8.

Individuals and relay teams are welcome.

About the event

When: Sunday, July 8 at 11 a.m.

Bike setup/sign-in: Located on Alumni Field

Start location: Brock University’s Eleanor Misener Aquatic Centre

Distances: 150- or 400-metre indoor swim options, 10-kilometre bike ride, 2.5-kilometre run

Post race barbecue for all participants and volunteers

Free Parking in Zone 1 and Zone 2. Paid parking in Lot D.

Registration Fees: $25

For more information or to register visit the Tri to Inspire website.

All participants must register in advance. There will be no race-day registration.