Canadians run historic Athens marathon for arthritis research

TORONTO, Nov. 16 /CNW/ - Almost 150 Canadians recently ran in the 2,500^th anniversary of the world's first marathon in Athens, Greece to raise more than $740,000 for The Arthritis Society.

Traveling to Athens as members of The Arthritis Society's Joints In Motion Training Team, they participated in this historic event on October 31 and contributed to a cause that touches all of their lives. According to legend, the marathon covers the same ground that the Athenian messenger Pheidippides ran when he brought news of victory from the battlefield of Marathon. 

"This experience will always stay with me. We followed the same footsteps of the ancient heroes who gave birth to Western civilization," said Tanya Leclair of Ottawa, who completed a 10km version of the event. Diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis (a type of arthritis) in 1999, she became a Joints In Motion team member to raise funds for arthritis research and treat her arthritis through exercise.

"It was a great opportunity to help both others and myself. I don't want anyone else to go through what I have, and I'm hopeful that research will one day lead to a breakthrough," she said. "At the same time, I lost 75 pounds during the training for this event. Crossing the finishing line was a moment I'll never forget. I never would have thought that possible a few years ago. I've come such a long way in managing my disease."

Leclair is one of almost 5,000 Joints In Motion participants who have raised about $30 million in support of The Arthritis Society since the program began just over a decade ago. Participants commit to completing a physical challenge (including walks, treks or marathons) and raising a set amount of money through donations and sponsorships. In return, they receive an unforgettable experience. The travel arrangements are made by The Arthritis Society.

"Joints In Motion is a unique program that allows participants to challenge themselves while helping more than four million Canadians with arthritis. Everyone who takes part has a connection to this disease. They're doing it for a friend, a family member or themselves," said Steven McNair, President and CEO of The Arthritis Society. "If you're going to run or walk a marathon or even a 5K, why not do it in an exotic destination and help others at the same time?"

In December, the Joints In Motion team will fly to the Cayman Islands to enter the marathon or half-marathon, followed by a trip to Orlando, Florida in January for the Disney marathon, half-marathon or 5K run. Destinations for 2011 include the Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu, Dublin and Honolulu. Costs for these events vary according to destination and include training, airfare, accommodation, travel arrangements, entry fee and on-site support for participants. For more information, photos and a video about the program, please visit www.jointsinmotion.ca.

About The Arthritis Society
The Arthritis Society is Canada's principal health charity empowering the more than four million Canadians with arthritis to live their lives to the fullest through extensive programs and services. Since its founding in 1948, The Society has invested more than $170 million towards arthritis research to develop better treatments and, ultimately, find a cure.

For further information:

Mike Lumbers,
National Communications Coordinator, The Arthritis Society
[phone], ext. 3354
[email protected]