Starting out in St. John’s, Newfoundland on May 1, Trent student and Athletics Centre trainer Scott Cannata faced a daunting task – to run the equivalent of a marathon a day across Canada in support of cancer research. Now, eight months later and with more than 190 marathons complete, the end of his incredible journey is in sight.

On December 20, Scott and The Run to Live team crossed the British Columbia border, marking a significant milestone in their travels. With less than 20 marathons left to run, the team hopes to achieve their remarkable goal before the end of January 2012.

Throughout the Run, Scott and his team have been bolstered by the ongoing support of the Trent community.

“I want to thank the Trent and Peterborough communities for their continued support,” said Scott. “On the road, we have had tonnes of time to think about those at home as well as people across the country and around the world who are struggling with this disease. It is our hope that this run will make a little bit of difference in their lives and show that cancer can be beaten.”

When The Run to Live came through Peterborough in August 2011, the Trent community gathered to give Scott a homecoming to remember. During that event, Scott challenged Trent students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the Trent Athletics Centre (AC) to complete the equivalent of a marathon per week on the AC track in support of his run for cancer research. When the challenge ended December 31, this goal was not only met but also exceeded with the equivalent of 37.4 marathons (3,924.5 laps) complete! Special thanks go out to all who have contributed to this amazing total.

About The Run to Live

The Run to Live is Scott Cannata, a Trent student and Athletics Centre trainer who is aiming 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 began in St. John’s, Newfoundland on May 1 and will continue until the end of January 2012, 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 $38,000 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

You can also support The Run to Live by purchasing a bracelet at Trent Health in Motion, located within the Athletics Centre.

Members of the Trent community are also encouraged to leave messages of encouragement and support for Scott and TRTL team as they near the end of their journey on their official Facebook page. www.facebook.com/theruntolive

“I live to run and I run to live, now it's time to run so others can live." – Scott Cannata

Posted on Friday, January 6, 2012.