My Dad, Peter Webster, played viola in the National Arts Center Orchestra in Ottawa for 40 years, and was the orchestra's personnel manager for 35. I grew up surrounded by classical music and going to orchestra concerts. Classical music played a significant role in shaping the person I grew up to be.

I became a professional jazz pianist and swing bandleader, and a father of two. I moved away from Ottawa when I was 19, and now live in the United States. At age 52, I am returning to my hometown to run my first ever marathon. I'm dedicating this first 26.2 mile/42.2km race to the memory of my father who passed away in 2023 from Parkinson's.

This marathon course is full of familiar landmarks for me, many of which reflect formative childhood experiences I had with my Dad. These include winter and summer activities along the entire canal, visiting the Parliament buildings, taking the parkway home, attending countless concerts by, and later performing with the NAC Orchestra, and performing at the Ottawa International Jazz Festival in Confederation Park (right adjacent the marathon starting line).

OrKidstra was founded by colleagues of his, and was a cause he deeply believed in.