Written by Catherine Mulvale, Director of Development for MitoCanada: Read Original Article Here
If you were celebrating your 20th wedding anniversary, what would you do? Well, if you’re Megan and Rich MacDonald, you’d pull out the handcuffs and start running. Over-the-top romantic, right? Actually, it is.
On Sunday, May 28th, 2023 Megan and Rich will run an intimate race with thousands of others at the Servus Calgary Marathon but, their experience will be unique. The couple will be handcuffed together. As they run for over three hours they will celebrate their relationship, bring awareness to mitochondrial health and disease, raise funds for MitoCanada, and smash another Guinness World Record (they already have five GWRs between them).
“If Rich and I are going to run handcuffed together for 42.2 kms, we want to ensure we gain as much benefit for MitoCanada as we possibly can,” says Megan. The MacDonald’s have supported MitoCanada since its inception, over 10 years ago. Their dedication to the charity began when the life of their friend’s son, Evan, was changed forever because of the disease.
After a short illness, Evan’s mitochondria could no longer produce the energy he needed for his muscles and organs to function properly. “Despite devastating circumstances and having to face significant challenges every day,” Rich states compassionately, “Sarah and Blaine Penny inspire us with their strength, commitment to the community, support for others, and their keenness to do extraordinary events to raise money for the charity they co-founded!”
To support Megan and Rich’s efforts to fundraise for MitoCanada, head to their fundraising page!
Going for a Guinness World Record
Megan and Rich aim to break a Guinness World Record (GWR) and raise $100+ for every one of the 42.2 kms they run to support MitoCanada.
If they run the marathon in under 3 hours, 43 minutes, and 17 seconds, they will earn a new GWR as the fastest mixed team to run a marathon handcuffed!
Making the Servus Calgary Marathon Greener
In addition to supporting MitoCanada, the MacDonald’s are also helping to make the Servus Calgary Marathon greener. Through their company, Fluid Projects Consulting, they are the Sustainability Partner of the 2023 Servus Calgary Marathon.
Fluid Projects is passionate about healthy lifestyles and the importance of movement to foster physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. The company also promotes strategies to help reduce waste and harm to the environment. This includes activities at the big event. Megan and Rich say they are almost ready. “We support each other but also challenge and push each other be better people,” says Megan. The MitoCommunity recognizes this couple as amazing people – on so many levels.
They have supported MitoCanada tirelessly throughout the years as volunteers and advocates. They are passionate about meeting their personal goals and helping MitoCanada realize its vision of creating a world where all lives are energized by healthy mitochondria.
Sponsor Megan and Rich MacDonald by heading to their MitoCanada fundraising page!
MitoCanada is no stranger to Guinness World Records! The organization holds multiple other Guinness World Records, including securing the GWR for the most people to finish a marathon while linked together. Rich MacDonald was part of the 112-person team at the 2017 Calgary Marathon, and we are thrilled that the MacDonald’s are back to take on yet another GWR at this year’s Servus Calgary Marathon!
