Alberta runners Mike Hanson and Dave Morin completed an incredible journey Sunday at the Servus Calgary Marathon, when they finished their 10th marathon in 10 unforgettable days in May. The journey started on May 16 in St. John’s, N.L., and involved running a marathon every day at 7 a.m., in 10 different provinces, until they hit Calgary, where both extremely tired men live. “There were some periods that were really, really challenging, mentally (and) physically,” Morin said, “but, you know, we had each other the whole time. “We had lots of people (helping us),” he said. “We hardly ever took a step alone. “And you know, at times when it gets tough, you think about this moment right here, when we finish this off and having all our friends and family around, and it’s a good way to get through it.” Hanson said various sponsors and non-profits have also provided a huge boost to their tired legs. “We’ve been supported by all three of the charities, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, KidsSport and Autism Asperger’s Friendship Society,”he said. “We’ve had an incredible number of corporate sponsors across Calgary and across Canada, the news stations, media, local runners, local organizations -- we’ve just been blown away by the support here at home in Calgary and (all the way) across Canada.” Hanson is the father of twin 14-year-old boys with autism. He says their diagnosis 12 years ago completely changed his perspective on life. “Everything I had in mind for their future and what was important for my family changed instantly,” he said. “We’ve had the capacity throughout that 12 years to give them everything they need, and I think they’re thriving because of it. But not everyone is that lucky.” Morin also has a personal connection to the charitable work — specifically one local organization that’ll benefit from the run. “I started volunteering with (Big Brothers, Big Sisters) in about 2012, and originally thought it was a way to give back,” he said. “But it was amazing just how much of an impact it had on me — being able to forge that connection and have a lasting impact on the littles that I worked with.” “There’s just an opportunity for undeserved children to have further support and get the opportunities they need in their youth.” As of Sunday, they said they’d already raised a little over $908,000, with a final goal of $1 million. The money will go to Big Brothers, Big Sisters, the Autism Asperger’s Friendship Society and KidSport, each of which will receive around $250,000. Among the biggest supporters, they say were the Kinsmen of Calgary. “We’ve been supported with a bunch of different corporations, and in particular, the Kinsmen of Calgary put forth a huge donation that we’re really, really grateful for,” said Morin. “And they split that evenly across the three charities. So they (really) got behind us. They got behind the mission. And we’re so grateful for the support of the Kinsmen of Calgary.” How do you mentally digest running 10 marathons in 10 days? “We never had to do 10 marathons,” said Morin. “We only ever had to do one marathon, and that was the marathon tomorrow. And if we could get through today, there’s just one more to do, and it’s the marathon tomorrow. “And I mean, the charities we’re working with, the kids that we’ve seen benefited from these charities. I mean, that makes it pretty easy to keep going and working through the pain,” he added. “I mean, it’s been tough. It’s been sore and been painful, but there’s a lot behind this, and we’re just super-excited and privileged to be have the opportunity to do what we’re doing here.” How do two Albertans celebrate running 10 marathons in 10 days? “We were in Vancouver yesterday,” said Morin, “and took the glorious final flight home to be back in our hometown of Calgary, and we’re just so happy to be back. “Tonight we sleep in our own beds.” More information on their challenge, route and on how to donate, can be found on 10in10in10.ca. With files from CTV’s Timm Bruch
