Trail Trek for Judy

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Last October my family lost my mother, Judy Montgomery, to multiple myeloma. Before her diagnosis in 2012, I had never heard of this disease. One of the first things I learned is that it is one of three main blood cancers (along with lymphoma and leukemia), and that the incidence of myeloma is increasing. More and more of us are having this disease impact our lives like it has my family's.

Myeloma is treatable but a cure is still being searched for. Recent research has led to significant gains in the understanding and treatment of the disease, with new therapies helping patients live longer and with better quality of life. Myeloma Canada provides education and support, raises awareness, and improves access to clinical trials and new treatments. 

From October 16th to 18th I aim to run every trail loop in Ontario's Frontenac Provincial Park to raise awareness and funds for Myeloma Canada. My undertaking will be following the guidelines of the Frontenac Challenge, an annual hiking initiative set up by the park which encourages people to cover all of the 11 remote and rugged backcountry hiking trail loops. The Frontenac Challenge gives hikers two months to complete the route, but it is my intention to run the challenge in three days. The final loop will be completed with my father, Peter Montgomery. (More information on the run follows below.)

I will be drawing inspiration from my mother's incredible strength and courage as she faced the many challenges that came her way during her treatment. Her optimism and determination to live each day to its fullest will always be incredibly inspirational to me. This is my way of honouring my mother's memory, and to feel a connection to her as I go through this symbolic challenge. Judy formed a strong bond with the myeloma patients she met, and found comfort in their friendship. In all aspects of her life, she was a great believer in the power of community. 

Please help me tap into that same power to reach my fundraising goal for Myeloma Canada.

Thank you!

Sara Montgomery

Run Details

Location:

Frontenac Provincial Park, Sydenham, Ontario

Details of Run:

Day 1 - October 16 - Slide Lake Loop, Big Salmon Lake Loop

Day 2 - October 17 - Tetsmine Lake Loop, Gibson Lake Loop, Hemlock Lake Loop, Little Clear Lake Loop, Little Salmon Lake Loop

Day 3 - October 18 - Cedar Lake Loop, Arkon Lake Loop, Doe Lake Loop, Arab Lake Loop

The Frontenac Challenge requires each of the 11 loops to be traveled in their entirety, therefore any sections of trail that are common to two loops I will cover twice. Total distance includes the loops themselves (approximately 110 km) plus distances covered from trail heads (depends on route planning and access points).

Running Bio

I have competed in road, trail, mountain, stage and snowshoe running events in a wide range of distances since 1998. Highlights include numerous trail ultramarathons, the Rock and Ice 3-day winter ultra in Yellowknife, Transrockies 6-day in Colorado, and multi-day fastbacks in the Canadian Shield. I have also written for running publications, been a member of the La Sportiva Running Team since 2005, and am a running coach for Spafford Health and Adventure. My parents instilled in me a lifelong love and appreciation of nature.