On July 13, Stew Castle of Quesnel and half a dozen other riders will be heading out on a 30-hour monster run to raise funds and awareness for Muscular Dystrophy Canada.
Stew started this ride in honour of his high school friend Lenny. Stew has watched muscular dystrophy change Lenny’s life as well Lenny’s sister who also had muscular dystrophy and has since passed from her condition. Last year, Stew and the group of riders raised more than $8,000 in their first year and are hoping to raise $5,000 or more in 2012.
The riders have 30 hours to complete the Run and if they are back in Quesnel in 24 hours they can apply for Iron Butt status, an endurance award from the Iron Butt Association based in the United States.
They leave Quesnel at 4:30 a.m., July 13 head through Prince George, McBride, Jasper, Lake Louise, Edgewater, Golden, Sicamouse, Armstrong, Kelowna, Merritt, Savona, Cache Creek, Williams Lake and back to Quesnel.
In honour of his work to raise money for MDC, Stew will be presented an award at a wrap-up BBQ at his house on the Saturday after the Monster Run. A Quesnel fire fighter, who supports Muscular Dystrophy Canada, will present Stew with the Fred Shaddick Community Spirit Award.
This award is presented to a group or other community service organization that has had a relationship with MDC in planning and organizing a third party event during the past year.
If you would like information or would like to donate to this year’s Monster Run, visit the group’s website at http://quesnelbiker.com/monsterrun/
If you see riders returning through Quesnel, July 14, wearing shirts with Muscular Dystrophy Canada logo, give them a wave or a honk and show your support!