I had been fairly active as a youngster playing ball and bike riding and swimming, but in my 20’s I got into what might be called an addictive lifestyle.  When I was released from this, I took up running to get back into shape, because, unlike golf, I could do it at my convenience, and it was cheap.  This was important because I was both very busy and very broke.

This led after a few years to running my first 10k, which was the very first Terry Fox Run.  After several years of this, I moved up to longer distances, eventually running a 50 miler in 1986.  I became hooked on these longer distances, because, unlike the shorter distances, one truly is only running against one’s self.

I continued to compete in what are called ultra marathon events until 2000, usually finishing last or next to last, then finally realized that since I was only running against myself, I didn’t need to spend all that time and money running with other people.  I also discovered journey running around that time – running ultra marathon distances for two or more days.

The other thing I discovered was that while most other runners seemed to be running against others for themselves, what turned me on was running for others.  Hence my 11 years (plus 2 years raising money for Terry Fox) doing charity runs.  In the first ten years I have raised over $25k for the Canadian Cancer Society, and $25k for various Christian organizations.

I got involved in raising money for City Kidz in 2009, through the house church that I attend, and having subsequently learned much more about it since then, decided to make it my only Christian charity for 2010.

I live and work in downtown Hamilton, and frankly I cannot see a greater or more needed ministry than City Kidz.  It is the dream of every church in the lower city to attract children, and lo and behold, City Kidz is showing the way!

I know that it must seem like a lot of hard work to those involved in the work at City Kidz on a day to day basis, but the rest of us see so clearly the hand of God involved.  May He continue to pour his richest blessings upon all of you.

If people are interested in donating through my run, they can visit my website at www.edsfundraiser.com.   Surely you know that many runners take part in a race, but only one of them wins the prize.  Run, then, in such a way as to win the prize.  Every athlete in training submits to strict discipline, in order to be crowned with a wreath that will not last; but we do it for one that will last forever. That is why I run straight for the finish line; that is why I am like a boxer who does not waste his punches.  I harden my body with blows and bring it under complete control, to keep myself from being disqualified after having called others to the contest. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (Good News)

Ed Alexander