Cross Canada marathoner to stride through Merritt Friday en route to Kamloops

MERRITT, B.C. — Rick Fall is running from Mile Zero in Victoria, BC to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, or as he describes it from his old home to his new one. Rick started on April 12, in Victoria with plans of arriving back home in Sault Ste. Marie in August.

To complete the incredible feat, Rick will attempt to run a marathon everyday.

“I’ve run 14 marathons, so I know I can do a marathon at a time,” began Rick. “There a number of days I’m not making 42 kilometres, but if I can make 42 kilometres average per day then it will probably be August 4 or 6, when I finish.”

As he traverses the Country, Rick admits the idea started as a joke among friends.

“About twelve years ago my Wife and I got involved with the local annual Terry Fox run in Sault Ste. Marie. And it was jokingly said between a couple of the other organizers and myself that we’re going to someday continue Terry’s journey from Thunder Bay to the coast,” said Rick. “I’m not ever going to take away Terry’s legend, so I thought I’d do something different and go the opposite direction.”

“About four years ago I thought, I’m going to do it. It was supposed to happen last year, but the COVID pandemic postponed it for a year,” added Rick.

Throughout the run, Rick is raising money for two charities, Make-A-Wish Canada and Childhood Cancer Canada. To date, just over $24,000 has been raised.

Rick is expected to make his way through the Nicola Valley on his way to Kamloops Friday (Apr. 23). To check track of his journey including live tracking or donate to the cause, visit https://www.fallorick.com/