Darren Kerr has previously run long distances, but to raise awareness for cystic fibrosis, he wanted to embark on a challenge: run back-to-back marathons across Vancouver Island.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been on this running journey for the last four years, and I wanted to do something that reflected what I do in my personal life and my values now,\u201d said Kerr.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI did 65 kilometres a couple of years ago, and that was great. I just wanted to level up, and I thought why not?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Watch the report below:<\/p>\n
Kerr began his journey in Port Hardy and finished at Mile Zero. By his side was good friend William Savage, who drove the route, providing water, snacks, electrolytes and medications the whole way through.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI saw Darren post an Instagram story looking for someone that could help support the drive for a couple days, and immediately I said, of course, I\u2019d love to help you,\u201d says Savage.<\/p>\n
At just three months old, Kerr was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. His run across the Island is the 11th fundraising event he\u2019s organized to raise money and awareness for the condition. He says the run did not worsen his condition.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cMy lung function has improved dramatically; it was around 75 percent, and then now it\u2019s about 95 percent,\u201d said Kerr.<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t feel any struggles with my breathing. There was one day I was like, my chest was a little tight, but other than that, I just ran through it and was fine.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kerr also endured a foot injury while on his journey and elected to finish the tour via bicycle; determined to complete what he set his mind to do.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI went to the marketplace, got a bike, went to Walmart and found a better bike. So then we got that bike, got it quickly tuned up and then I did 80 km that day,\u201d says Kerr.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Along their Island marathon, the pair met plenty of people, including two who went above and beyond what Kerr and Savage expected while on the road.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had a sign that was advertising what we were doing, and these people pulled up and donated cash; they gave us food, then they came back and said, \u2018Hey, we have a place for you; say the word,\u2019\u201d said Kerr.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cGenerosity and kindness from people we just met, and they supported us on the way.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite early wake-ups and long days, Savage says he\u2019s never seen someone be so excited to continue his mission,<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s an insane feat. And to have cystic fibrosis on top of it, it boggles my mind. And then for him to have a smile every single day and crack jokes until the end.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kerr has raised over $17,000 for this campaign on his GoFundMe<\/a> and has documented his journey through Instagram<\/a>. His effort to spread awareness is far from over, and Kerr is already planning his next challenge.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cI want to do more with my fitness and running. Just overall spreading awareness, whether it\u2019s people with cystic fibrosis\u00a0 or just the average person, that whatever you want to do, you can do it.\u201d<\/p>\n \t