My Greater Purpose: Why I Only Run Ultra Marathons for Charity
As the sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows across the rugged terrain, I find myself alone on a winding trail. My legs are heavy with fatigue, my lungs burning with each laboured breath. I’ve been running since the early morning hours, and I still have miles to go. This is the world of ultra marathons—a realm where the human body and spirit are pushed to their absolute limits.
Many wonder why anyone would voluntarily subject themselves to such gruelling challenges. For some, it’s about personal achievement, the allure of shiny medals, or the bragging rights that come with a prized belt buckle. Others chase record times or lucrative sponsorship deals. But for me, a runner from Montreal who has been pounding the pavement and traversing trails for nearly two decades, the motivation runs much deeper.
I don’t run these punishing distances for accolades or recognition. The pain I endure with each step serves a greater purpose—to raise awareness and funds for those battling deadly medical conditions and the families who stand by their side through the darkest of times.
Every ultra marathon I complete is a testament to the human will to persevere, mirroring the daily struggles faced by those afflicted with life-threatening illnesses. As I push through the agony of blisters, chafing, and muscle fatigue, I think of the patients enduring chemotherapy, the children fighting rare genetic disorders, and the families watching helplessly as their loved ones suffer.
The parallels between ultra-running and battling a serious illness are striking. Both require unwavering mental fortitude, a support system of dedicated individuals, and the ability to keep moving forward when every fibre of your being screams for you to stop. But while I choose to put myself through this ordeal, those facing deadly diseases have no choice in their struggle.
During those long, solitary hours on the trail, when my mind wanders to dark places and my body begs for relief, I remind myself of the real heroes—the patients and their families who face their own ultra marathons every single day. Their courage becomes my fuel, propelling me forward when my own reserves run dry.
The funds raised through my ultra marathon endeavours go directly to the patients and their families navigating the turbulent waters of serious illness. While the amount may seem small in the grand scheme of medical treatment, I’ve learned that every dollar counts. That dollar might give them the chance to heal, or life for one more year, one more month. Even if it were just one more day, I would run for days to give them that extra time with their loved ones.
Beyond the tangible financial support, these runs serve to shine a spotlight on often overlooked conditions and the daily battles fought by patients and their loved ones. Each race becomes a platform to educate and inspire, reminding people of the strength of the human spirit in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
There are moments during these multi-day events when the pain becomes almost unbearable when every step feels like a monumental effort. In these dark hours, I draw strength from the knowledge that my temporary suffering pales in comparison to the challenges faced by those I’m running for. Their battles don’t end after a finish line—they persist day after day, with no defined endpoint in sight.
As I near the end of each ultra marathon, physically broken but spiritually soaring, I’m reminded of why I started this journey. The true reward comes in the form of messages from families who’ve benefited from the funds raised, or from researchers who’ve made advancements thanks to the increased awareness and support. It’s in the eyes of a child who sees that people care enough about their struggle to push themselves to extremes.
So I’ll continue to lace up my shoes, to face the daunting distances and the punishing terrain. I’ll embrace the pain, the exhaustion, and the moments of doubt. Because with each ultra marathon completed, with each mile conquered, I’m not just crossing a finish line—I’m carrying the hopes and dreams of countless individuals who face their own ultra marathons every day.
In the end, it’s not about how fast I run, how many runs I complete, or even if I complete one. It’s about the lives touched, the awareness spread, and the small but significant difference made in the fight against deadly medical conditions. Every stride I take is a step towards hope, towards a future where these battles might be a little easier for someone else.
My WHY is not about conquering a very long and hard run; it’s about a mission. A mission to bring light to those in darkness, strength to those who are weakening, and hope to those who might be losing it. As long as people are fighting these battles, I’ll keep running—for them, for their families, and for the belief that every mile can make a difference. And that, more than any medal or record, is why I run.
