That’s the message he’s taking from St. John’s, N.L., to Niagara Falls, Ont., as he drops the gloves and dons the running shoes, running 90 marathons in 90 days.
That’s 26.2 miles each day. For 90 days.
But this runner is up for a good fight. He represented Canada in three consecutive Summer Olympics and took home gold for Canada during the Commonwealth Games.
All proceeds from this run will go to the McMaster Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute and to all Ronald McDonald Houses at sick children’s hospitals across Canada.
“It’s tough for families to take off work when their child is sick,” said Strange. “Imagine trying to carry on with your life while having so much more to worry about.”
His inspiration comes from Matthew (Matteo) Mancini whom he met in the fall of 2011.
“Such a brave young man, someone that you just wanted to be around.”
Matteo had just lost a leg to cancer but that did not stop him coming out on the first BoxRun in 2012. He passed away on May 8, 2013. Strange honoured him by starting this years BoxRun on May 8, 2014.
In New Glasgow, Mayor Barrie MacMillan, who gave him gifts on behalf of the town, greeted Strange.
His next stop is in Halifax where he’ll meet up with Mickey MacDonald at the famous Chicken Burger restaurant.
By the time he wraps up his run in Niagara Falls, he’ll have gone through eight pairs of sneakers.
“But if it helps the kids, it’s worth it,” Strange said.
Donations can be made on the Box Run homepage. More information on the run along with photos and updates can be found on the Box Run Facebook page and Twitter account.