DARREN'S RUN ACROSS VANCOUVER ISLAND

RAISING FUNDS AND AWARENESS FOR CYSTIC FIBROSIS

Hello,

My name is Darren (32) from Vancouver BC. I'm embarking on my 10th fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis. I'm a marathon runner and was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at birth. Thank you so much for reading my story and your consideration to donate to my 2026 fundraiser.

THE RUN: 11 MARATHONS IN 11 DAYS

Over 11 days I'll be running from Port Hardy, travelling south and ending an over 491km running journey in Victoria at Mile 0. I'm very passionate about raising funds for CF because I have it and know first hand about the effects it has on daily life. My goal is to complete approximately 44km per day (the distance of a marathon), from July 22 to August 1. I want to do this to show people that despite what one goes through, you can put in the hard work and accomplish anything you want.

I will be providing updates on instagram throughout the long run. Please follow me: @runwithdarren

The Ask Through Two Options:

Option 1: A donation directly to this GoFundMe. The highest percentage possible of donations will go directly to Cystic Fibrosis Canada. To date over my adult years, I've raised approx $75,000.00 for this very personal cause.

Option 2: A sponsorship of $500 to support one of the 11 legs. This will cover associated costs of being on the road for 11 days and ensure personal donations all go straight to CF Canada. In return, the sponsor will receive acknowledgement and recognition on Instagram posts for the day they sponsor. If you are choosing this option, please either send me a message through GoFundMe, or through a direct message on Instagram.

My Fundraising Story:

I've organized 9 fundraisers in the past years. Most were pub night/silent auction style and in 2024, I did a 65km run. Eventually, I would like to run across BC and my long term goal is to run across Canada.

My CF Story:

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common fatal, genetic disease affecting children and young adults in Canada. Typically, Cystic Fibrosis has a multifaceted impact on the body, primarily targeting the digestive system and lungs. To learn more see: About Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis Canada is one of the national charitable but not-for-profit corporations established in 1960. Cystic Fibrosis Canada's mandate is to help individuals with cystic fibrosis, principally by funding cystic fibrosis research and care.

I've always had Cystic Fibrosis. I have extra thick mucus which makes me prone to lung infections. I take medication daily and usually live a very normal life, however sometimes I get sick and require IV antibiotics due to lung infections. Recently I've been dealing with more health challenges that I'm used to but continue to stay positive and be as active as I can. Running the amount I do has improved my overall health and my lung function significantly.

My Running Journey:

I started running in June of 2022. Since then I've completed 6 full marathons (42.2km each) and the 65km CF fundraiser from Aldergrove to Downtown Vancouver. My beginning was a random, after work run while I was extremely hungover. Something clicked after that first run around the Stanley Park Seawall and ever since, I have never been so focused and loved an activity more than running. I'm constantly working on improving my times and show continued improvement. I've also stopped drinking with June 30th marking 2yrs without alcohol. I've done this because of how seriously I take my running and health.

If you've made it this far, Thank You! Follow me and my team through 11 days of Island Running.

@runwithdarren