One man is hoping to raise $50,000 by running from Port Hardy to Victoria.
Ty Clayton, from the Sunshine Coast, will be running a 500-km Vancouver Island Run he has dubbed the Making Arthritis Famous run, to raise money for arthritis research. It will start on Oct. 12. Effectively, Clayton will be running a marathon per day.
"I've lived with Ankylosing Spondylitis for 20 years and have been in pain every single day. And if I'm going to hurt either way, I'd rather hurt chasing something big than sitting still," said Clayton. "This run is about showing how far someone can push themselves even with a degenerative condition — and raising awareness for millions of others who struggle silently or aren't taken seriously because their conditions aren't visible."
Clayton started running this year as a challenge, inspired by Terry Fox and Rick Hansen. The Vancouver Island Run will be his first test, as he plans an even more epic run. Next year, Clayton is planning to run from the Arctic Ocean to Baja, Mexico.
The long-distance runner is just one of the six million Canadians living with Arthritis. Ankylosing Spondylitis is a severe, chronic, and inflammatory form of the disease. It attacks the spine and major joints, causing pain, stiffness, and eventually the fusion of vertebrae. Other parts of the body also can be affected, such as digestive issues and restricted breathing. There is no cure yet known for Ankylosing Spondylitis, but it can be treated with medications to reduce pain and symptoms.
Several other types of arthritis exist, the most common being osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
"Ty's efforts will not only raise vital funds for research, but also bring visibility to ankylosing spondylitis, a condition many have never even heard of," said Dr. Diane Lacaille, the scientific director of Arthritis Research Canada.
People can follow Clayton's progress through Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok through his handle, @theankylosingguy. Times to meet him during his run will be posted on these pages. Donations can also be sent to the Arthritis Research Canada campaign page for Clayton's run when it is eventually launched.
