Kirsten Murphy
Northern News Services
Iqaluit (Jun 18/01) - What could be the longest 140-kilometre run in history has passed through Iqaluit.
Jack Burns, 68, is attempting to run 10 kilometres in all 10 provinces and three territories by the summer's end. To make up the 140 km total, he also ran in Ottawa.
While in Nunavut recently, he pounded 10 km of pavement between Iqaluit and Apex.
The run is part of his 2000 New Year's resolution "My 2K" which started last year. Burns, 68, has no sponsorship and no charity behind him.
The Winnipeg resident and his wife and coach, Patricia, traditionally drive from city to city -- seeing the country and meeting new runners. Frequent flyer points brought them to Nunavut.
"It's my Mount Everest," said the retired forest product salesperson turned bus driver.
"It's not that anyone couldn't do this; it's that they wouldn't."
Admittedly, the project has taken him longer than expected. But it's stamina, not speed, inspiring this marathon runner.
He said Iqaluit may be cool but it's not flat.
"That's quite a hill you've got there," he joked after his run.
Later this summer, the Burns plan to drive their converted van to Yellowknife and on to Whitehorse for the final leg of the run.
Because no one seemed to know he was coming, Burns ran the Apex highway alone. Traditionally, he runs with local running groups.
During his brief stay in Iqaluit, the couple went shopping, sightseeing and visited with friends Ian and Dale Harasymiw.
"It's been a thrill to be in the North," he said.
"Very warm and hospitable."
