More than 300 people gathered at the Justin Chiu Stadium on Monday, August 8, 2011 to welcome Trent student Scott Cannata back to Peterborough as he makes his way across Canada, running a marathon a day, in support of the Canadian Cancer Society and cancer research.
The special homecoming event provided a significant boost for Scott and The Run to Live team, who began their journey on May 1 in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Friends and family, along with members of the Trent and Peterborough communities, filled the stands and lined the stadium entrance to welcome Scott back to Trent.
“The crowd cheered Scott as he made a victory lap around the track,” said Kathryn Verhulst-Rogers, marketing and communications coordinator for Athletics & Recreation at Trent, who helped to organize the event. “It was an incredible moment for Scott and for everyone in attendance.”
During the event, an impressive $2,367.55 was raised in support of The Run to Live, through a barbecue and donations from supporters, including a generous gift from the varsity women’s soccer team.
Special guests on hand to provide their own words of welcome and support included Peterborough MPP Jeff Leal, County Warden J. Murray Jones, Mayor Daryl Bennett and Trent University President Dr. Steven Franklin. Peter Adams acted as emcee.
In his short speech to the crowd, Scott Cannata spoke of the toll that running a marathon a day is having on his body.
“It’s tough,” he said, adding, “But I know that what I’m going through physically and emotionally is nothing compared to what those who are fighting cancer are experiencing.”
He also issued a challenge of his own to the Trent community – to share in the journey by completing the equivalent of a marathon per week for the duration of The Run to Live. Using the track in the Justin Chiu Stadium, Trent students, faculty, staff and alumni, along with members of the Trent Community Sport & Recreation Centre, are being challenged to run a combined total of 42.2 kilometres per week, or 106 laps, until the Run to Live completes its journey in Port Renfrew, BC in December. Student groups, community members and others have already started the challenge and progress is being tracked.
About The Run to Live
The Run to Live aims to raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society which will be used specifically for cancer research. During The Run to Live’s cross-Canada tour which will continue until the end of 2011, the mission is to provide hope to those who are affected by cancer and to create a refreshed outlook on our capacity to beat cancer to current and future generations. To date, more than $15,000 has been raised through the Run. The goal is to raise $2 for every Canadian. For more information regarding The Run to Live, visit www.theruntolive.com
“I live to run and I run to live, now it's time to run so others can live." – Scott Cannata
Posted on Friday, August 12, 2011.