From Nanaimo to Campbell River, more than 100 miles running, and all for women.
That’s what Campbell River’s Shelagh Germyn and Bob Wall accomplished Sept. 6-7, during the 10th annual Women For Women fundraiser.
And at the end of their long city-to-city journey on Vancouver Island, the two ultra marathoners where later met back at home by a large group of runners who joined in for the final 10 km, 5 km and kids run.
When it was all over, they had raised more than $5,500 to support the Campbell River Women’s Centre and The New Dawn House.
“What began a decade ago as one woman’s dream to help others, celebrated its 10th birthday in style,” said Germyn who started the fundraiser.” The Women For Women Run has become a fixture on the Campbell River running calendar and this year it was particularly memorable!”
Starting out from the Nanaimo Women’s Centre at 7 a.m., Germyn and Wall were supported by family members and a small group of friends as they ran through the day, all night and into the early morning hours.
They completed the run to Campbell River in the amazing time of 21 hours, 45 seconds. Trouble was, they had arrived at Southgate Middle School four hours sooner than expected and still had seven miles to go before reaching the century milestone.
So they did the natural thing: 28 more laps of the school’s quarter-mile trek. Only then did they go home for a shower and quick nap before returning to the local run and their supporters.
Germyn started the run a decade ago to create a bursary for single mothers upgrading their education at North Island College. In the first nine years, the run raised more than $20,000 for the bursary.
Funds raised this year are supporting programs at the women’s centre and to help build The New Dawn House, a safe and nurturing home where young single mothers in need can live and raise their babies.
“It’s the willingness of so many to go the ‘extra mile’ that will ensure the continued success of Women for Women,” said Germyn, who thanked all the people and businesses who supported the run.