City of Victoria emergency program coordinator Tanya Seal-Jones is set to compete in a 322-kilometre endurance footrace to raise money to help sick and injured animals.
The donations she collects will go to Balfour’s Friends Foundation (BFF), a local non-profit that helps pet owners facing financial hardships pay for costly veterinary bills.
Since it was founded in 2012, BFF has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars. The organization's popular fundraising efforts include Officers on Pawtrol and Firefighters and Friends calendars, in which local police officers and firefighters pose with their pets.
“I was drawn to raise funds for BFF because of their engagement and collaboration with first responders and their recognition of the important companionship that pets provide for vulnerable members of our community – in particular seniors and people with disabilities,” said Seal-Jones in a news release.
The athlete has already raised almost $1,400 of her $3,250 goal.
The race, called the Divide 200, is a gruelling feat that will take place between Sept. 10 and 14 in the jagged mountains and hills near Crowsnest in southwestern Alberta.
The 100 participants will have to cross rivers, bushwhack and scramble up steep inclines, while managing an elevation gain and loss of over 12 kilometres.
Event organizers call it the “most challenging” race in Canada.
For most, an undertaking like this one, which requires participants to push their bodies to the max, sounds like an impossible challenge. Seal-Jones, however, welcomes it.
“Sharing training runs through the trails with Sandy is the best physical, emotional and mental health support there is,” she said. “Running ultras has helped me push through mental and physical obstacles, which has allowed me to build strength, perseverance and determination in all facets of my life.”
The athlete has competed in extreme races before, including the Fat Dog 120, a 193-km footrace that Outside Magazine called one of the hardest ultramarathons in the world.
Those who want to support Seal-Jones and BFF can do so here.
