Alberta ultra-marathoner breaks record for fastest run across Canada
An Alberta ultra-marathoner has broken the record for the fastest run across the country.
Dave Proctor of Okotoks, Alta., set off from the Terry Fox monument in St. John's, N.L., in mid-May, and arrived at the Terry Fox monument in Victoria, B.C., on Thursday.
He averaged more than 100 kilometres a day on his cross-Canada quest, which took just over 67 days to complete.
It beats the previous record of 72 days set by Al Howie of Duncan, B.C., in 1991.
"I'm blessed to have this opportunity and [I'm] grateful," he said after crossing the finish line.
"I've just seen the most beautiful country in the world, and I suggest every Canadian do the same very thing," he added.
"Don't run it. Get in a vehicle and drive it or go see a part of the country you haven't seen," said Proctor. "I just feel if I could do that, I could do bloody well anything."
Alberta man Dave Proctor (front) is seen running along Highway 17 in Victoria, B.C. on July 21, 2022. (CTV News)
'SO PROUD OF HIM'
Proctor wasn't alone on his journey. Along the way he picked up different running partners and had a support team that's been with him the whole way, feeding him and providing any medical treatment he may need.
Lana Ledene is the head of Proctor's team, as well as his girlfriend.
"I’m just so happy for him," she said. "This is something that he’s wanted for longer than I’ve know him."
Ann Francis, editor of Canadian Running Magazine, says Proctor's run is a "significant record" and it's something he's attempted in the past.
In 2018, Proctor attempted the same run, but that time he was heading west to east.
During that attempt, he was also raising awareness for the Rare Disease Foundation. Ultimately, he found that it was difficult to tackle both projects at the same time and his run ended in Manitoba when he suffered an injury.
"He told me that he wanted to do it primarily for himself this time and not be distracted by efforts to make other people aware of it," said Francis.
On Thursday, he completed his run, becoming the fastest man to ever run across Canada.
"He picked a target that he knew isn’t going to be broken for a long time, that was his goal," said Ledene. "I am proud of him. I am so happy for him and I am so proud of him."
Proctor says seeing the Terry Fox monument in Victoria, and the support of his friends and family, helped give him inspiration to push to the end.
He added that kind words from the Fox family also helped him reach his destination.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.