When Doug Knowles, of Kingston, Ont., turned 92 this past May, he decided to use his passion for walking and running to help out two charities.
He set a goal of walking at least one kilometre every day until he reaches 92 kilometres.
“I started out on the 14th of May when I was just a kid,” said Knowles laughing.
He’s asked family and friends to support his efforts with a donation.
He plans to donate the money he raises to the Partners in Mission Food Bank, the local Kingston food bank, and Wounded Warriors Canada.
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“The local food bank, any cash that I get will go to them, but if it’s a cheque or anything it will go to the Wounded Warriors of Canada because ex-military, you know.”
Knowles served in the British Army starting in 1946 and in the Canadian Armed Forces from 1958 to 1972.
Over his life, Knowles has been a long distance runner — including marathons and triathlons.
When he was 61, Knowles also competed in a 55-km race against a horse.
“The horse beat me by six minutes.”
Knowles long and storied career in running started as a matter of practicality as a child.
“As a kid actually we used to have to run to school. It was like three miles to school, I was always late so I was always running to get there in time.”
Knowles hasn’t counted exactly how much money he’s raised to date, but says one friend wrote him a $100 cheque that Knowles has matched.
“Plus the PSW’s have given me money.”
Knowles is asking anyone that wants to support his 92-km trek can do so by donating directly to the two charities he’s supporting.
The Partners in Mission Food Bank has set up a fund on their website called “92K Support”.
Knowles will complete his 92-km walk on Aug. 14, but adds when he turns 93 next May, he’ll be at it again, walking one more kilometre than this year.
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