PICTOU – Keep your eyes open for donation containers around the county promoting the Sunrise Run.
It's an endeavour of former Pictou resident Jonathan Young who plans to run the highway from Auld's Cove to Pictou, then run the Sunrise Trail to Amherst from August 12 to 26.
He aims to average 25 kilometres a day with three rest days thrown in.
Young is taking up the challenge to raise money for the Aberdeen Palliative Care Society. The society provided care for Jonathan and his sister Jill's mother, Sharon, during her battle with cancer.
"I chose a run to raise the profile of Palliative Care in Pictou County. Running has been a passion of mine for the past nine years and I see the Sunrise Run as a true physical challenge as well as a great way to promote the vital care that the terminally ill receive in Pictou County. Jill will be joining in the support vehicle for every step of the project."
Most of the preparation legwork in the county is being done by Young's cousin, Mary MacDonald, since both Jonathan and Jill work in Europe.
"He wants to give back to the community by doing this run," MacDonald said.
Young chose the Sunrise Trail for its special significance to him.
"I chose the Sunrise Trail as it runs through Pictou County, and my mother used to enjoy drives along its scenic route in the summers."
The run is not something that he's taking lightly.
"Presently I am running 80-90km per week, but over the next two weeks, I will be running 120km each week."
MacDonald stressed the importance of donating in support of the Aberdeen Palliative Care Society.
"I would like to get the point across that anytime you see someone trying to fundraise for this important event please give generously."
MacDonald is also hoping to secure use of a motor home for the duration of the run. Renting one would just eat away too much of the fundraising, she noted.
Additional information on Johnathan and the run can be found at http://sunriserun.weebly.com.