Edmontonian, Martin Peeks, has completed the New York City marathon in support of Movember, a global initiative to raise funds and awareness for men’s health issues like prostate and testicular cancer.
The 35-year-old has been taking part in growing a moustache and raising funds for the organization since 2006.
Over the last decade, with the help of teammates, he’s raised more than $40,000 for Movember.
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“I started seeing the difference the funds were making,” Peeks told Global News. He’s since been involved in a number of initiatives and is now a part of the Edmonton Movember Committee.
This year he was approached with a unique opportunity: run with a group of 15 Mo Bros from around the world in the New York City marathon.
Peeks agreed, saying it was a chance to participate in the renowned event and “do good for the community.” He ran the race Monday.
“The run felt great,” Peeks said after the event.
“My time was about what I was expecting as well. I feel much better today than I expected to.”
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The Movember initaitve started back in 2003. Two men met up for a quiet beer in Melbourne, Australia, and the idea that sparked Movember was born. To begin with, only 30 people took part. It’s now grown to more than 5 million Mo Bros and Mo Sistas around the world.
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A big part of this year’s campaign is called “Move”, where people are asked to get moving to keep up with their own physical health, and promote physical activity. That’s where the marathon comes in.
“It’s one of the most physically fit I’ve been in my whole life,” Peeks said.
Peeks has now been inspired to keep up with daily physical activity. “If I’m active, I’m able to avoid some diseases and some forms of cancers potentially, if i’m smart and make the right choices now.”
He also hopes to inspire his kids to do the same.
To donate to Movember or to join Team Global Domo-nation, the Global Edmonton team led by John Sexsmith, visit the team’s Movember page.
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