The 27-month There & Back Canada Run: The Movement for Movement may not officially stop in Red Deer in the months to come, but it is part of runner Trevor Redmond’s training ground.
Redmond, 46, said he ran 11 km around Red Deer on Friday before stopping at Parkland Mall to talk to people about his third trip across Canada to encourage mobility and inclusiveness.
He walked 11,421 km in 2006-07. He cycled 14,632 km in 2009. On July 1, Redmond will begin a 22,000 km run from his hometown of Stellarton, N.S.
“I’m going to do a whole loop, to the best of my abilities and strength, and come all the way back to my home,” said Redmond who intends to complete his run across Canada and back by Oct. 30, 2019.
Redmond, 46, was struck by a vehicle when he was 15 and his left leg was so severely damaged doctors expected him to need to use a cane for the rest of his life.
They were wrong.
He said his upcoming run will be “the largest victory lap this world has ever seen because to me, that’s what it is.”
His third cross-country journey is about encouraging and inspiring people he didn’t reach before.
“I am promoting health through movement. I’m also promoting freedom of movement.”
He said people in Canada with mobility issues, whether it’s because they are blind or require a wheelchair, should have the same freedom of movement.
“They have the right in this country to the same mobility and motion as every other single person has. Canada is great that way.”
Redmond will be back at Parkland Mall on May 12.
For more information visit www.thereandback.ca or www.facebook.com/ThereandBackCanada/