Dave Proctor's run across Canada is over because of a debilitating back injury.

The 37-year-old from Okotoks, is raising money for rare disease research, and he had to end his run east of Winnipeg.

After 13 kilometers of a planned 108-kilometre day, Proctor consulted with his medical and support teams Friday night and made the decision to stop.

Proctor's physiotherapist and chiropractor flew out to Manitoba to treat Proctor, but relief was temporary. He said he could no longer ignore the medical red flags.

Proctor says choosing to halt the marathon was a difficult choice, but one that was necessary considering the diagnosis he received from his medical team.

"I got an emergency MRI and it indicated that my back was in rough shape, I ended up having a 70 percent narrowing of my central column, and a severe herniated disc near my spine."

Proctor owns the Canadian record in the 24-hour road race, and he believed he was capable of making it to St. John's N.L., in 66 days but unfortunately will not be able to cover that distance in that time.

His objective is to raise over $1 million for the Rare Disease Foundation. His nine-year-old son Sam has a rare disease that affects his mobility.

Proctor says the marathon was inspired by his son Sam.

"I would run to the ends of the Earth for my son Sam, I would move mountains for him, I'm disappointed that I can't still be out there running, but I feel honored to have gone as far, and helped move those mountains for him."

Proctor is urging fellow Canadian runners to help him complete his marathon, by submitting their logged miles to The Rare Disease Foundation.

"You can donate your miles to Outrun Rare, what I didn't finish, you can help me finish. By doing this you are showing to the rare disease community that rare does matter, there does need to be a better support system and network for the one in twelve people in Canada living with a rare disease."

For more information on how to support the cause, visit:

https://outrunrare.com/event/outrun-rare-virtual-fun-run/

 

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