A Viking’s Challenge 2025: March 8-9!
by SAVE YOUR SKIN FOUNDATIONMonday, 20 January 2025 from 8:00 AM (AST) to Saturday, 15 March 2025 8:00 AM (ADT)
Ticket Information
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Overview
Get ready to be part of an extraordinary journey of resilience, courage, and community as we return to the frozen expanse of Lake Winnipeg for A Viking’s Challenge (AVC) 2025!
Why We Run In March 2020, Chris and his childhood friend Shawn ran an awe-inspiring 30km across frozen Lake Winnipeg, raising nearly $20,000 for melanoma patients. Since then, AVC has grown into a national movement, bringing people together to raise funds and awareness for melanoma patients and their families. Whether on the frozen lake or in their own communities, participants embody the Viking spirit of resilience and determination.
This Year, It’s Your Challenge! In 2025, we’re calling on you to take up the torch and join us in this incredible event. Whether you run or walk, on the lake or in your own neighbourhood, your participation makes a powerful impact on the lives of those affected by this cancer.
Every Step Counts Your participation and donations directly support melanoma patients. All registrants will receive a charitable donation tax receipt.
No Ticket Required to Donate! You can make a donation without participating. Simply enter the amount in the "Enter Donation" field.
Let’s Make 2025 Unforgettable! Join us in celebrating courage and the indomitable human spirit. Together, we can make waves of hope and change for melanoma patients everywhere.
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Details
CHRIS’S STORY: A JOURNEY OF COURAGE AND DETERMINATION
In 2017, Chris faced advanced melanoma and was given lifesaving immunotherapy just in time. Though the treatment was tough, it worked—his cancer stopped growing, and the side effects became more manageable. By December 2018, just one year after diagnosis, Chris was back lacing up his running shoes!
But the journey wasn’t over. In late 2021, a large mass appeared on his adrenal gland, and Chris had to face radiation and immunotherapy treatments again. But he's not giving up—Chris was determined to beat cancer once more.
THE CHALLENGE: FROM PAIN TO PURPOSE
After his recovery in 2019, Chris took up running and yoga to heal both physically and emotionally. In a conversation with Global News, he recalled a moment that changed everything:
“A friend posted about running a 5K in -40 degrees. I jokingly commented, ‘I’ll race you across the lake.’ A week later, I thought, ‘This is a great idea!’ It gave me something to focus on, and I knew I wanted to raise money for the Save Your Skin Foundation.”
THE RACE: RUNNING FOR A CAUSE
From March 1-3, 2024, Chris and Shawn took on a historic challenge across Lake Winnipeg for the 5th edition of A Viking’s Challenge, raising $60,000 for the Save Your Skin Foundation since its inception. Last year’s hybrid event marked a milestone as Chris and Shawn crossed the finish line together in person—an unforgettable moment in the fight against melanoma.
This year, we’re back with even more ways to participate! Pledge KMs, choose your activity—run, swim, jog, or more—and be part of this impactful event, whether virtually or at Gimli!
How to Participate
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Register and pledge you're KM! Can’t make it to the lake? Join from wherever you are.
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Prefer to cheer from the sidelines? Make a donation to support those diagnosed with this cancer.
THIS YEAR’S CHALLENGE: LET’S CROSS LAKE WINNIPEG AGAIN!
This year, Chris and Shawn are back at it, running together on the lake. But here's the twist—you can join in from anywhere in the world! Choose your distance and pledge to run your KMs. We’ll tally the total KMs pledged and see if we can "cross" Lake Winnipeg 30 times this year!
So, what are you waiting for? Register now, channel your inner Viking, and get training! Let's show cancer what we're made of!
A MESSAGE FROM CHRIS:
“My spirits are high, and I’m not throwing in the towel. This March 8-9, I’m challenging you to lace up and join us for the 6th edition of A Viking’s Challenge on Lake Winnipeg. Whether you’re running or walking, you can participate anywhere! Let's move our bodies for a fantastic cause”
Join the challenge, make a difference, and help us raise funds for the Save Your Skin Foundation. Register today and let’s cross that lake together!
Attendees
- Anonymous
- Anonymous
- Anonymous
- Ship & Plough Tavern
- Anonymous
- Anonymous
- Sylvia Main
- Anonymous
- Simon Létourneau + 1 guest
- Anonymous
- Sarah Belisle
- Kim Giesbrecht