The September Run For Life in Saskatchewan has raised more than $300,000 – and not all pledges have been collected yet.
Sixteen people ran the entire distance of 260 km from Saskatoon to Regina. Another eight walked.
Doris Merkovsky was one who walked the entire route and she said she would do it again. Mrs. Merkovsky has been blind from the age of 5 and was accompanied by her seeing-eye dog, Packer. Another who walked all the way was a 64-year-old lady with diabetes.
It was Michael Martorana of Regina who came up with the idea. He ran most of the distance but at times was forced to walk because of muscle pain. He explained, “You run with pain until you can’t run any more. Then you walk a little bit.”
Those who could not run all the way, ran or walked some of the way. About 400 people joined the marathoners for the final few miles into Regina. Morris Schumiatcher, counsel in the Joe Borowski case, ran the last five miles. Dr. Schumiatcher had one sponsor who had pledged $100 a mile.
The run ended at O’Neil High School in Regina where more than 500 people gathered to celebrate. Hot dogs were sold and helium balloons released as those at the closing ceremonies feted this wonderful achievement for life.