The start of Yana Hempler’s Run for Their LIves from Port Hardy to Victoria has been pushed back a couple of weeks.
But the Saanich resident’s fundraiser for a trio of Greater Victoria charities is picking up steam, nonetheless, as more sponsors get on board and donors slowly begin to find their way to her website.
Hempler now plans to take off from the North Island town on June 2 and expects to complete the 495-kilometre route in three weeks. She is coming off second-place finishes in her age group at the Vancouver Marathon and the TC 10K and said her training has been going well.
“The biggest challenge right now is getting the word out there about the event, and how people’s contributions are invaluable to the organizations who will benefit from it,” she said.
Proceeds from the Island-wide run will be split between the Mustard Seed food bank, Recreation Integration Victoria and the B.C. SPCA.
Hempler is still trying to secure an RV to use as a command and accommodation vehicle for the trip and volunteers are needed to help sell raffle tickets to raise additional funds. First prize is $1,000 and second prize $500.
Potential corporate sponsors and volunteers are asked to email Hempler at yhempler@uvic.ca or call Ian Simpson at 250-216-1232. To make a donation or find other information, visit runfortheirlives2013.com.