A marathon runner living with cystic fibrosis is running from Port Hardy to Victoria to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis Canada.
Darren Kerr set out July 22 and plans to run the equivalent of 11 marathons in 11 days.
“I’ll be running 491 km, or about 44 kms per day, in 11 days. A marathon is 42.2 kilometres, so basically a marathon a day,” Kerr said. “I want to show people that, despite what one goes through, they can put in the hard work and accomplish anything they want. I also want to inspire others to live a positive and healthy life and to be motivated by their lifestyle choices.”
A GoFundMe campaign for the run has raised nearly $14,000 toward its $50,000 goal.
“I’ve always had Cystic Fibrosis,” Kerr said on the GoFundMe page. “I have extra thick mucus which makes me prone to lung infections. I take medication daily and usually live a very normal life, however sometimes I get sick and require IV antibiotics due to lung infections.”
He added running has significantly improved his overall health.
Cystic Fibrosis Canada funds research and care to support people living with cystic fibrosis.
Kerr is expected to finish in Victoria on Aug. 2, where a breakfast is planned to mark the end of the run. Along the way, he is scheduled to stop in Campbell River, Courtenay, Parksville-Qualicum, Nanaimo and Duncan.
