Individual from British Columbia embarks on a grueling seven-day marathon series to memorialize his father who perished from cancer.
In a remarkable display of determination and memory, 26-year-old Noah Allison completed a seven-day marathon run across northern British Columbia, raising funds for the BC Cancer Foundation’s Patient Relief Fund. This challenging feat, known as the Miles for Markus fundraiser, marked Noah’s third annual event in honour of his late father, Markus Allison, who passed away from cancer in 2023.
The route of the run spanned Highway 16, connecting Prince Rupert to Terrace and back, totaling seven marathons or about 42.2 km each day. This year's event was the most ambitious yet, with Noah running seven marathons in seven consecutive days.
Noah's father, Markus, was present at the first fundraiser, high-fiving his son along the way. His memory and the support of the community have been a significant source of strength for Noah during this physically and mentally gruelling event.
Running has been therapeutic for Noah during his father's battle with cancer. He once weighed over 300 pounds but has since lost a significant amount of weight while training for his marathons. Noah imagines his father's reaction to his current marathon run, saying, "I know him well enough to know he would just go 'you are absolutely insane,' said Allison."
The fundraiser supports families dealing with cancer, focusing on helping with travel and accommodation costs related to treatment. Donations can be made through Noah Allison's Instagram account @healingthroughendurance. Noah has also partnered with a brand that supported him during the final stages of the challenge.
Although exact fundraising progress figures are not detailed in the sources, the event has attracted community backing and sponsorships, amplifying awareness and support for cancer patients and their families. Noah's mother shares in the humor of imagining Markus's reaction to his son's current marathon run, saying, "My mom and I have a good laugh thinking about how crazy he would think I was for doing this one."
This is not the first time the media has reported on Noah Allison's marathon runs. The fundraiser continues to resonate with the community, raising vital funds for those affected by cancer while honouring the memory of Markus Allison.
Noah's commitment to running marathons not only serves as a testament to his personal health and wellness journey, but also contributes to the health-and-wellness of others, as the funds raised during the Miles for Markus fundraiser directly support cancer patients and their families. The science of medical-conditions and sports regularly intersect in Noah's life, as his father's battle with cancer and his own training for marathons are deeply interconnected. Noah's dedication to raising funds for the BC Cancer Foundation's Patient Relief Fund creatively combines sports and science to address medical-conditions like cancer.
