Ryan Keeping, an ultra-marathon runner from Halifax, is following in Terry Fox’s footsteps.
Keeping is in the midst of running across Canada to raise funds for a charity near and dear to his heart – The Heart and Stroke Foundation.
“Many of my family members, including my dad and grandfather, have been affected by heart disease,” writes Keeping on his personal website. “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 and Stroke Foundation to help other families like mine, who are touched by heart disease.”
Keeping’s goal is to complete the 7,386-kilometer trek from the Terry Fox Memorial in Newfoundland to Victoria, BC in under 100 days, meaning he will have to cover 75 kilometers a day for 99 days.
He is expected to hit Parry Sound on May 12, and plans to stay overnight in Nobel before continuing north on May 13.
“If you aren’t able to donate, there are other ways you can help,” writes Keeping. “Spread the word by telling friends and family about the event or share my posts on social media. It would also be great to see you come out as I pass through your (community).”
More information on Keeping’s journey, including how to donate, can be found at ryankeeping.com.