Man Runs Through Peterborough to Support Local Charity
/After running 50 miles in the cold, Peterborough’s Cory Priaulx raised over $2,500 for the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough charity for their COVID-19 relief fund this past weekend.
The money will be given to Peterborough businesses that have struggled through the pandemic. Priaulx’s campaign goal is $5,000 and created a GoFundMe page on February 1.
“I wanted to make sure the funds raised stayed in Peterborough and were going to those affected by this pandemic,” said Priaulx. “I chose $5,000 cause I knew it would be difficult. I figured if I was going to try and raise money (to) go big or go home.”
Cody Priaulx is a huge fan of actor and former professional wrestlier Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Photo courtesy of Cody Priaulx
The run called the “4x4x48 Challenge” was invented as an endurance challenge by former Navy SEAL, David Goggins. Runners travel four miles every four hours for 48 hours totalling 12 four-mile runs in two days. Priaulx began on Friday at 8:00 a.m. and finished Sunday at 4:00 a.m.
“The run was a mental struggle more than a physical one. Getting up and going every four hours became harder and harder,” said Priaulx. “My legs hurt and I had blisters all over my feet but I had so much support from friends, family and the community through social media. It really kept me going.”
He ran through several parts of Peterborough that had struggling local businesses such as Parkhill Road, George Street and Lansdowne Street.
Priaulx wanted to inspire others to have hope, promote mental health awareness and making healthy choices.
Cody Priaulx recorded 104,490 steps during his 4x4x48 challenge. Photo courtesy of Cody Priaulx
“I at one time about seven years ago weighed 300 pounds. I was very unhappy with myself and how I looked,” said Priaulx. “I was struggling with mental health so I decided to change everything. Started weight lifting and started to become stronger. I still have a long way to go but I'm trying to strive for optimal human performance.”
He lost over 100 pounds during that span, exercising regularly while eating a healthy diet. Priaulx had trained rigorously for the endurance run.
“I run to and from work every day cause we don't have a car,” he said. “It’s roughly 6.5 kilometres there and back so I incorporate that as part of my training as well. I eat super clean and healthy and I try to promote that to all my friends and family.”
This run will hopefully inspire others to make positive changes in their lives as well as their communities Priaulx said. There was a mutual inspiration between all members of his family.
Cody Priaulx says he had only slept a total of three hours while doing this challenge. Photo courtesy of Cody Priaulx
