Not many people would run the equivalent of 29 marathons just to raise awareness of a political issue, but that is exactly what Kim Slater is doing.
Slater is currently running 1170 kilometers from Jasper, Alberta all the way to Prince Rupert as part of her campaign against the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline called “Band Together BC.” According to the campaign’s website, while running along the proposed pipeline route, Slater hopes to meet with community leaders and share their opinions and stories through social media and on video.
She has gathering planned for every community she has passed through on the way to reaching her goal. People came out to meet her in Smithers and MP Nathan Cullen ran with her as she left that community. In Moricetown she met with an elder and healer named KneeKap. MLA Gary Coons also stopped along the highway to support her.
Slater is expected to arrive in Prince Rupert on August 21 after and end her 45-day-long run when she arrives at the courthouse. Some people are already planning to meet her at Butze Rapids trail parking lot at 5:30 and run/bike with her on the final leg of her journey. There is also a celebratory reception planned afterwards.