The following is a personal account of Gabrielle Hershey, of Mapleton Township, who was among 63 Canadians that participated in the Iceland marathon and raised $500,000 for the Canadian Diabetes Association.
If I were to describe my experience of running a marathon in Reykjavik, Iceland for Team Diabetes, I would use one word – amazing. This experience truly was an extraordinary one on so many different levels.
I arrived at the Toronto airport on Aug. 20 at 6pm. I quickly joined up with approximately 30 other participants, mostly coming from Toronto and Ottawa. The energy was fantastic as all these strangers, most of whom had never met before, joined together with such enthusiasm, sharing fundraising and training stories.
The biggest question was “what is your connection to diabetes?” The stories were amazing. Huey, from Renfrew, Ontario, suffers from type two diabetes, and was running his third marathon with Team diabetes. He was doing this for his children and grandchildren.
Terri, from Edmonton, who also suffers from type two diabetes, was embarking on her first half-marathon and was doing this for her grandmother.
Wendy, from Ottawa, was running a half marathon because so many of her family members already have diabetes and she was aware of the risks of developing it herself.
And why was I doing this? When I first started this journey two years ago, I was simply doing this for diabetes. Even though I had no personal connection, I did have the firm belief that it didn’t mean I couldn’t ever be affected by this disease.
However, since embarking on this journey two years ago, I was doing this run not only for diabetes, but for the many people affected by diabetes who I had met and became friends with along the way. Diabetes was a disease that for me, now had many faces attached to it. It was for these people I was running. We landed at the Reykjavik International Airport at 7am Iceland time (approximately four hours ahead). We boarded a bus and drove to the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal hot spring where we had to opportunity to soak and relax our tired bodies. Then off to Reykjavik, where we booked into our hotel and had the opportunity to wander around and explore the city for the next two days.
Iceland is a very beautiful country. There are almost no trees, and you could drive for miles on a flat terrain, and then all of a sudden come across a beautiful volcanic mountain range. There are hot springs everywhere though the outside temperature is quite cool. On Aug. 23 (race day) it was 13 degrees celcius, and quite rainy and dreary – perfect running weather.
The morning of the marathon we woke up at 6am, had breakfast, and began our preparation for the big run. As we gathered at the start line, it was amazing to see thousands of people gathered, all ready to embark on this experience together. The race started at 8:40am, with thousands of feet slapping on the cobblestone streets of downtown Reykjavik. I set two goals for myself early on in the run. First, to finish this race, no matter what, and second, to always have a smile on my face and keep those positive thoughts flowing.
And it worked. After six hours and 14 minutes of running – after sun, cloud, rain, and more rain – I finished my very first marathon, all for the sake of diabetes.
I have to admit that crossing the finish line is the proudest moment I have ever had.
The sense of accomplishment was unbelievable, to think, I had just run 42.2kms.
There were 63 participants from Team Diabetes who travelled from all across Canada to run in the Reykjavik marathon to raise money and awareness for diabetes. We raised $500,000 for the Canadian Diabetes Association.
I would like to thank several people who helping me along on this journey. First, the wonderful community members and local businesses who have helped with donations, encouragement, and support throughout my various fundraising efforts.
Secondly, the fantastic group at the Harriston branch of the Canadian Diabetes Association. Their passion and commitment to fighting this disease and raising awareness to all of those within North Perth and north Wellington is truly amazing.
Third, my husband David for all his support and encouragement, whether it was through attending one of my many fundraisers, or helping me get up those early mornings to get out for a run.
Finally, I would like to thank George and Alice VanAnkum, for their tremendous support and positive enthusiasm from the moment we first met. Their passion is inspiring, and they have shown me what a big difference two people can make.
