Skip to content

Port Alberni’s Wounded Warriors stage solo run

Vancouver Island-wide event was cancelled, but Maria Marciano and Dave Nesbitt ran anyway
24880093_web1_210421-AVN-Wounded-Warriors-apr17_1
Wounded Warriors runners depart from the Sproat Lake Volunteer Fire Department hall on Hwy. 4 during a charity run on April 17. (ELENA RARDON / ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS)

Although the Wounded Warriors relay run on Vancouver Island was cancelled for 2021 due to a COVID-19 spike in the province, two Port Alberni runners still managed to stage their own run, with help from local first responders.

Port Alberni RCMP Const. Maria Marciano and Dave Nesbitt from the Canadian Coast Guard held a 24-km run on Saturday, April 17 that took them past every firehall, the RCMP station, ambulance station and Royal Canadian Legion in the Alberni Valley.

They were joined on Saturday by local first responders Emma Nunn, Brian Callender, Erin Burrett, Faron Fournier and Naomi Burnett.

“Dave actually suggested it and I thought it was a great idea,” said Marciano. “It’s a way to thank the community for all their support and to let them know that although the run isn’t happening this year, we are still here and still trying to bring awareness. There was such an outpouring of support last year and I have received a lot of messages about doing the run again, plus all the fire halls did a fundraiser last week for Wounded Warriors, so this run really is for everyone that has and continues to support me and all the runners as a way to say thank you.”

The March 27 fundraiser, which was hosted by all four Alberni Valley fire departments (Port Alberni, Beaver Creek, Cherry Creek and Sproat Lake), was a drive-by poker rally that raised $225 for Wounded Warriors.

The April 17 run managed to pull in some donations, as well.

“Huge thank you to all the amazing people who supported us, cheered us on!” Nesbitt posted on Facebook after the run. “Waved, honked, came out to donate, and more! What an amazing community!”

24880093_web1_210421-AVN-Wounded-Warriors-apr17_4
Wounded Warriors runners pose for a photo in front of Engine 49 at the Sproat Lake Volunteer Fire Department hall on Hwy. 4. (ELENA RARDON / ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS)
24880093_web1_210421-AVN-Wounded-Warriors-apr17_3
Wounded Warriors depart from the Beaver Creek Volunteer Fire Department hall on Beaver Creek Road during a charity run on April 17. (ELENA RARDON / ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS)


Elena Rardon

About the Author: Elena Rardon

I have worked with the Alberni Valley News since 2016.
Read more