An ultra marathon runner from Halifax, Nova Scotia ran through Northumberland County last week joined by local Northumberland OPP runners.
The name of the run is Ryan’s Cross-Country Run and Ryan Keeping said his inspiration for the run is, “the greatest Canadian of all time – Terry Fox.”
“Terry attempted a challenge that most would never dream of and I want to use the inspiration he provided me and attempt my own seemingly impossible challenge.”
Keepings challenge is to run across Canada in under 100 days covering a distance of 7,386 km. Which means he’ll have to run 75 km a day for 99 days.
Starting his run in St. John’s NL, on April 1, he’ll end up in Victoria, BC.
“Just like my hero, Terry, had a reason for his journey across the country, so do I. His reason was to raise funds and awareness for the disease that touched him and my reason is not dissimilar.
Many of my family members including my dad and grandfathers have been affected by heart disease. Recently both of my siblings have tested positive for the gene causing these heart issues. As a result, I hope to raise funds and awareness through my own run across Canada for the Heart & Stroke Foundation to help other families like mine, who are touched by heart disease.”
The majority of the funds raised (80%) will go to The Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada to be used towards improving diagnosis, care, and support for heart disease patients. The remaining 20% of funds will be used for expenses incurred throughout the coast to coast run. Proof of donation to the foundation will be provided upon completion of the run.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
