S.L.A.P. Update
Old Mine Rd. “City Slicker Valley” – third leg – 19km
This section offers the most beautiful views of the Smoky River Valley. It is the fastest and easiest part of the race, mostly dirt road and creek crossings, very slippery and rocky. The racer will pass through the lowest point in the race; the very bottom of the Smoky River valley floor, and knee deep water for 25m. Net elevation loss about 1000ft.
Leg 3 racer: Jessie Anderson
When my youngest son turned 4 months old, I received a phone call from my mother. I had known of her and Lynne’s plan to run the Canadian Death Race — little did I know I was to become part of it. Needless to say, I could never say no to my mom, so here I am.
I was so afraid that I would let all these people down because I was so out of shape. I started working out as much as the baby would allow. Mom called, e-mailed and text’d everyday: “did you run today? : are you going to run?” It was annoying, but her persistence paid off. I am running everyday, getting faster and stronger. I feel great physically as well as mentally; it feels good to know I have a hand in helping all these people who need as much support as possible to start over. Thanks Mom.
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We are five normal, everyday ladies, all mums and two grandmothers, in training for this year’s Canadian Death Race, a gruelling endurance race of 125km spanning over 24 hours and covering three mountains in Grande Cache, Alberta.
Why would we put ourselves through this? To raise money for Eagle Women’s Emergency Shelter in the Foothills of Alberta, raise awareness, and help stamp out domestic violence. We have never tried anything like this but feel very strongly that domestic violence is out of control and needs to be addressed. Now.
It’s a frightening fact that almost everyone knows someone who has been a victim of either physical or mental domestic abuse. We believe that increased exposure can help make victims aware that there are numbers they can call for help, and there is no need to suffer any longer. We also feel that domestic abuse and violence is a taboo subject that no one likes to acknowledge and this needs to change. Victims feel humiliated and ashamed and we need to let them know it is ok to talk to someone and to get help.
We are now in full training for the race, and although before this all any of us had ever run was a bath and a temperature, we are determined to do as much as we can to help stop domestic violence. This is a very hard and gruelling race, but with the help and support from each other we hope to complete it and to raise as much money as possible for the shelter. If our hard work only helps one person get out of a frightening situation and gives them the strength to rebuild their life, then it will all have been worth it. Our team name is SLAP – Stop Letting Abuse Prevail. We have a team website with photos and information on each runner and about the shelter: http://www.runforsafety.bravehost.com
We hope you will support us in our quest to stop domestic violence. The race takes place on the August long weekend, beginning Saturday the 5th at 8am and ending Sunday the 6th at 8am. Only 19 weeks to go!!! AU student, mother and death-racer, Kim Anderson.
