MONCTON – Police, paramedics and fire fighters are gearing up for a Responders Run taking place in Moncton this weekend.
The Responders Run takes place this Sunday at 10am are Bore Park in Moncton, and organizers says that first responders throughout the Maritimes are invited to attend the free event.
Moncton firefighter Mike Richard is helping to organize the event. Richard is no stranger to taking on weighty tasks to support worthy causes. For the past few years, Richard has been gearing up into 50 pounds of firefighting equipment to head out, not to a fire call.
“I am getting ready to go for a little run.”
Richard is actually training to run a half marathon later this fall, in full firefighting fighting gear.
“It feels like running with a snowsuit.”
Richard said he’s grateful to be strong and healthy enough to run at all. He said he likes to volunteer for fundraisers that support causes that are dear to his heart, and this year he’s strapping on his heavy load and running in several events to raise money for cancer research.
“My mother passed away from cancer just over ten years ago and my father has been a 15 year plus survivor of prostate cancer.”
This year, Richard asked his fellow first responders to join him in the fight again childhood cancer.
Dieppe firefighter Captain Jeff Pyke said he will be there.
“I happen to have friends who have a child with pediatric cancer and they are fighting a battle right now. So there is a bit of a personal touch to this.”
Pyke said it’s also a fitting time for first responders to come together, given it’s been 14 years today since so many made the ultimate sacrifice during 9/11.
“The public knows more about the sacrifices that first responders go through since 9/11 and it’s a way to have a fun filled activity.”
As an organizer, Richard said he won’t actually run in this weekend’s event, but just in case anyone is interested in taking his place…
“I will probably have my gear with me so if they want to use it during the run.”
So far, he hasn’t had any takers.
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