In collaboration with Brain Cancer Canada, Toronto’s Noah Lee has announced 70KM for 70K, a fundraising initiative that will see him run 70 km in honour of his late mother, Segin, who passed away from brain cancer. On Sept. 19, Lee will run from the University of Toronto to McMaster University with a goal of raising $70,000 to support life-saving brain cancer research.
In 2020, at just 40, Lee’s mother passed away after a four-year battle with glioblastoma, one of the most common and aggressive types of cancerous brain tumours. She is survived by her spouse and two children. Throughout the run, Lee hopes to honour her legacy by raising funds for research aimed at improving brain cancer outcomes and creating hope for those affected by the disease.
The 70-km journey
The route from the University of Toronto to McMaster University carries special meaning for Lee. He followed in his mother’s footsteps as a University of Toronto graduate, while McMaster University was one of the first campuses she toured with him.
“[My mom] fought this disease for nearly four years, treating every single day we had together as a blessing,” Lee said. “When I reflect on her superhuman love, willpower, and perseverance, running this 70-km distance pales in comparison.
The run is expected to take between 11 and 14 hours, with Lee targeting an average pace of roughly six minutes per kilometre. The event is backed by Toronto-based running community RUNWAY, founded by endurance coach and ultra-relay organizer Darren Weldrick, who will guide Lee through his training and the final challenge.
“This run is about more than honouring her memory,” Lee said. “It’s about creating hope for future patients and families by helping fund research that will lead to better treatments, longer survival and ultimately a cure. I want other families to have opportunities and outcomes that simply weren’t available to mine.”
Join the cause
While Lee will be the only runner completing the full 70-km distance, relay teams of up to six participants are invited to join the effort by completing portions of the route. Each runner will complete one of six 12-plus-km legs and reach a minimum fundraising goal of $125.
Those who wish to contribute without running can donate directly to the cause.
About brain tumours
According to Brain Cancer Canada, 27 Canadians are diagnosed with a brain tumour each day, with nine of those diagnoses being cancerous. Roughly one-third of all 120+ types of brain tumours are cancerous. Brain cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in children and young adults under the age of 40, and there continues to be no cure and research remains underfunded.
Brain Cancer Canada is a volunteer-driven national charity, ensuring all funds raised are directly toward critical research investments; since 2015, it has raised over $3,000,000 for brain cancer research, supporting 31 projects nationwide.
To donate to the cause or sign up for the event, visit here.