Kamloops runner raises $12,000 in 86 kilometre event

Running a marathon is a challenge many people attempt in their life, but for local runner Caleb English, one was never enough. No stranger to challenges, on Sunday Jan. 26, English took on the self-imposed goal of running 86 kilometres at the Tournament Capital Centre (TCC) Field House.

The double-marathon was a fundraising event for English’s Go Far Go On campaign, raising money for the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS). It’s the first in a series of running challenges English hopes to face in the duration of the campaign.

To many avid runners, the 86 kilometre target would be a significant achievement, let alone for someone like English, at the start of his running career.

“Last April, my son wanted to do Boogie the Bridge with his friends… so I went out and I ran three kilometres. It was my first time running in probably two years at that point and I was dead,” English said in the days leading up to the challenge.

But at the finish line for Boogie the Bridge, English found more than a sense of self-accomplishment. For the first time, he felt the harmony of community spirit that local athletes have come to appreciate in events such as Boogie, Dirty Feet and numerous Kamloops run clubs.

“I instantly fell in love with it,” English said. “It wasn’t so much the running [as] it was the people that were there… Everyone’s so positive and supportive and we’re all out there for a good cause.”

From there, English channeled his newfound appreciation for the sport into racing events, entering local 10 kilometre and later 50 kilometre ultra-marathons. But at CIBC’s Run For The Cure, English’s passion for fundraising and racing flourished.

With a last-minute race entry, English raised $1,000 in under 24 hours, donating the proceeds in his mother-in-law’s name. For the past five years, she’s battled breast cancer, one of many individuals in English’s life who have been impacted by the disease.

Inspired by their strength and determination, English created his Go Far Go On campaign to continue fundraising for the Canadian Cancer Society and test his mettle as a runner along the way.

Using CIBC’s Run For The Cure as a stepping stone, English thought, “what could I accomplish if I had a plan, a huge goal, an even bigger event to pair with it, and the support of the community?”

Setting his sights on the Moroccan horizon

The focal point of Go Far Go On, and the climax of English’s running journey this year, will be the infamous Marathon Des Sable (MDS) Legendary, an 11-day, 250 kilometre ultramarathon through the unforgiving environment of the Sahara Desert in southern Morocco. Since 1986, runners have pitted their bodies and minds against the extraordinary race, described as the toughest footrace on earth.

“That’s going to be a battle,” said English’s mother, Vicki Gardiner. As a long-distance runner herself, her own travels to Morocco have demonstrated first-hand the challenges of the environment.

“You’re on your own out there. You have to really practice how to look after yourself.”

This April, English will be one of 400 competitors taking on the challenge, battling long hot days of sand dunes and rocky terrain. The race is unsupported, requiring runners to pack their own food, shelter and supplies throughout the duration of the race.

“He’s dabbled in running, then just last year he decided ‘I’m going to try a little run, and then I’m going to try a little longer…’ Then he came up with this concept, although I said, ‘you know that’s a little crazy.’ I think it gave him more inspiration that he was going to do it,” Gardiner explained.

“That was it for me,” English said. “As soon as mom says no, I’m going to accomplish that goal. I’ve never asked her about it, but I think she does it on purpose to motivate and push me. She knows if I put my mind to something, I’m going to accomplish that goal.”

To English, the grueling challenge of MDS is an apt metaphor for the battle with cancer and remains the biggest test of his Go Far Go On campaign.

A test of perseverance

Back at the track, English was in good spirits as he neared the first marathon distance of 42.1 kilometres. Throughout the day, he was joined by friends, community volunteers and local runners for a series of running and walking laps, taking short breaks to change his shoes, re-dress bandages and fuel.

The 86 kilometre distance simulated the longest stage of MDS, and while Sunday’s event was far from the desert environment of the Sahara, over 400 laps of an indoor track is its own test of mental fortitude.

On the sidelines, event volunteers engaged with curious members of the public, fielding donations and selling merchandise, with all proceeds going towards the campaign. Prizes provided by local business sponsors were also raffled off every hour to those that joined English in at least one lap around the track.

Local sponsors included Sun Peaks Resort LLP, Runners Sole, Waitlist Studio, Fuel Kamloops, The Blue Grotto, the Kamloops Blazers and more.

English crossed the 86 kilometre finish line in 12 hours with $12,426 raised for CCS in pledges and in-person donations. So far the Go Far Go On campaign has raised over $19,000.

And while MDS looms in the distance, as the name suggests, the Go Far Go On campaign will live on after the race. English plans on hosting more community events in the months to come, raising more awareness and funds for the cause.

“With all this momentum we’ve built, then why not keep it going and see what else we can do.”