Bray's Big Long Run for NCC

Thanks for visiting my fundraising page! This past year has been challenging and – like many of you – I’ve found myself struggling to find motivation, purpose, and passion in all the uncertainty and negativity. Since the start of the pandemic, there has been one place I go that grounds me every time; that makes me forget the trivial problems of daily life. Nature is so powerful and has such a profound effect on us meager humans. To feel so small and part of something much larger and complex is a beautiful and calming state to be in and it’s what draws me back to wild places time and again. I feel so lucky to live next door to some of the most protected and stunning places on Earth and am acutely aware that not everyone shares this privilege. This year, I wanted to challenge myself in ways that reproduced that passion and motivation that seemed so elusive just a year ago, while also doing a small part to better the environment that so readily provides for us. Wild spaces became more important than ever this year and not just because restrictions forced us to spend more time in the outdoors. A thriving, biologically diverse ecosystem is required for our very survival. Fresh drinking water, medicines, carbon sequestration, better food quality, quicker recovery from natural disasters, natural barriers to diseases such as COVID-19 – all of these things are possible only in a functioning, biodiverse ecosystem.

The NCC carefully identifies and prioritizes these ecological hotspots for protection through conservation, land purchases/donations, and reclamation (and much more!). This year on June 27 (and 28th), I’ll be running 35 laps up and down Tunnel Mountain in Banff in support of the NCC’s ongoing efforts to protect ecological integrity and natural spaces. This equates to about 168km and 9100m of elevation gain. My goal is to raise $1 for every metre of elevation I’ll be gaining, a whopping $9,100! (ask about sponsoring a lap for $260!). Please take a moment to learn more about The Nature Conservancy’s projects and thank you so much for your part in their important mission.  

The Run:

Starting June 27th at 5am MDT

~168km (similar distance to driving from Calgary to Fort Macleod)

~9,100m of elevation gain (250m higher than Everest)

Check instagram @bk_haveityourway_cgy for updates and live coverage of the event

Pending COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines, you are welcomed and encouraged to come join for a lap or say hi at the parking lot!