Wounded Warriors runners were all smiles upon their arrival to Port Alberni.
They were greeted at the entrance to town on Thursday, Feb. 27 by a fleet of vehicles from Alberni Valley fire departments, as well as cheering supporters and a giant Canadian flag hung from the Port Alberni Fire Department's ladder truck.
"Seeing that flag when we were running into town, that was special," said run director Jacqueline Zweng.
Thursday was Day 5 of the Wounded Warriors run, which sees a group of veterans and first responders run across Vancouver Island while raising awareness and support for various mental health programs.
Zweng said that Day 5 is "probably the hardest" leg of the run, partially because of the steep climb up the Highway 4 summit — also known as The Hump.
"We've already been on the road for so long, and we have quite a few more stops ahead," Zweng explained. "And we all know that big hill is right in front of us."
But Zweng says the reception from Vancouver Island communities has made the run a little easier. In each community, runners are greeted by friendly cheers, waves and honks.
"Even along the highway today," Zweng said. "We know this highway is a lifeline to the community, and the fact that people still took the time to cheer us on while we were on the highway — it speaks volumes. It helps you run without thinking of the pain."
The runners kicked off Day 5 at the Cumberland Legion, and also made stops at the Bowser Legion branch and Qualicum Legion branch. To end the evening, they made a visit to the Port Alberni Legion Br. 293, where Legion members hosted a fundraising dinner and runners were piped in by the West Coast Highlanders Pipe and Drum band.
"The legions have been fuelling us along the way," said Zweng.
After Port Alberni, the team planned to head back out east to Parksville, then south to Nanaimo and then the Greater Victoria area.
The Wounded Warriors have a $250,000 goal for this year. To donate, visit woundedwarriorrunbc.ca.
