From Red Deer, Alberta, this ultra-runner is making a mission to run across Canada in 150 days for mental health awareness
Skylar Roth-MacDonald is a 25-year-old ultra-runner based out of Calgary, AB.
Growing up in the city of Red Deer, a 90 minute drive North of Calgary, he spent most of his days playing soccer with a tight knit group of friends. They went from little eight year olds, to playing in college together at 21-years-old.
In 2009, Skylar's team lost a teammate and great friend to suicide. Josh was just 12 years old and left behind a life nearly untouched. Fast forward 3 years to 2012 and being 16 years old with the same core of teammates, they lost another teammate and brother, Eli, to suicide.
Skylar's experienced an abundance of loss so early in life. His community lost far too many youth to suicide. Between his seventh grade year and high school graduation, he knew eight kids that took their lives forever.
After years of trying desperately to navigate through the lingering emotions that resulted from the numerous suicides and attempts from people he's loved dearly, Skylar found the mountains.
In the Spring of 2016, he was reborn as he found passions again. Spending as many days in the mountains as he possibly could, Skylar quickly watched his body and mind evolve before his eyes.
Setting goals, creating meaningful friendships, pushing his comfort zone, and most importantly, finding himself again. Pushing his body and mind to the limits soon became a new obsession.
I have been at rock bottom in the darkest of times and now my purpose is to cast my light to help others find themselves.
Skylar’s goal is to run successfully across Canada in 150 days or less. Beginning in Victoria, B.C on June 1, 2021 with ending in St. John’s N.L nearing the end of October.
Secondly, Skylar would like to raise $50,000 for the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), while raising awareness with as many Canadians as possible.
This goal cannot be achieved alone. Whether it be a donation to the Canadian Mental Health Association, or by simply sharing Miles for Smiles with friends, family, and co-workers, please help support Skylar and his journey.
Help Skylar Reach His GoalSkylar may be coming to a city near you. He will be tracking his run so keep an eye out as he is expected to make an appearance in Victoria, Medicine Hat, Regina, Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, Ottawa, Quebec City, Moncton, and St. Johns!
@skylarrothmac
Skylar is aiming to run 65km/day! Here’s what he’s running in:
