With her fanny pack buckled, water bottle holstered and fruit snacks within reach — Yana Hempler is ready to hit the road — and conquer the unthinkable.
“I’m in the process of running thirty marathons in thirty days in order to try and raise $500,000 for the Victoria Hospitals Foundation (VHF).”
If the story sounds familiar that’s because Yana is no stranger to pounding the pavement with purpose. Back in 2013, she ran the Greater Victoria Marathon raising funds for a charity benefitting the developmentally disabled and just last year, the Russian-born, Victoria-raised running enthusiast kicked off her campaign in support of the VHF by completing twelve marathons in twelve days.
This year, Yana’s dedicating her fundraising challenge to the late Dennis Hoy, a man who heard about Yana’s story last year and donated $25,000 towards the cause — just months before he passed away.
“It literally made me cry, especially because I didn’t, unfortunately, get a chance to say thank you for his donation, his incredibly generous contribution,” said Yana.
Despite some muscle soreness during the first week, Yana says she’s in good shape and getting stronger.
“Actually I’m feeling really good right now,” said Yana. “Day 17, I ran my fastest since I started this.”
As Yana has picked up steam, so has her fundraiser. She recently received her largest contribution from Tecnet president Ed Life.
“We’re going to contribute $1000 per day for the last ten days of her run,” said Life. “I’ve been involved with the Hospital Foundation for a number of years and felt that would be appropriate, I know the health care workers are pushed to the limit.”
Yana says she’s grateful for any amount donated to what she calls a very worthy cause.
“You truly are making a big difference when you make that donation,” said Yana.
Yana is currently on day 20 of 30. For more information on the fundraiser, click here.
Kevin Charach
