Brackendale's ultra-marathon Canadian racing champion Wendy Montgomery has been on an emotional roller coaster lately, and the ride's not over yet.
A high point was on May 7 when she won the Canadian women's record for running the fastest 100 km. She then experienced another high of being selected to represent Team Canada in the 100 km World Cup in Hokkaido, Japan.
Her winning streak seemed to take a dive, however, when Montgomery heard that she wouldn't receive the expected funding that was to send her to the competition.
But shortly after Montgomery shared the bad news with her fellow runners, locals launched the "Committee to Send Wendy to Hokkaido," giving her new hope.
"This only further supports that Squamish is an incredible community and there are many residents who continually and generously give their time and energy to make Squamish a great place to live," she said. "Having people like this in my life reminds me that I too, must make sure that I am contributing to this community."
The Association of Ultra Runners (ACU) announced that the funding they'd hoped to donate to Montgomery's trip wasn't available, making her an impossible $3,000 short.
Squamish residents Rich Rawlings, Helle Willburn and Roger Shirt launched the campaign and are supported by former Canadian 100 km team manager Ean Jackson and last year's top Canadian 100 km World Cup performer Andy Nicol.
"Wendy is the best prepared female 100 km runner in the country," said Rawlings, who, along with Montgomery, co-directs this year's Squamish Test of Running Metal (STORMY). "A Canadian 100 km World Cup team without Wendy would be like a Canadian national basketball team without Steve Nash."The ACU will cover many expenses, including lodging for four nights and meals during race days. But Japan is much more expensive than previous World Cup locations, said Montgomery, and the cost of return airfare, two nights in Tokyo and ground transportation is more than she can afford. Campaigners hope to raise enough money in one week to cover the flight in order to avoid expensive last-minute airfares.
Even though Montgomery has steadfast supporters working on her behalf, the cause is far from won. She said she will only use the money she needs to cover her costs and any additional funds will go to the Canadian team. She adds that if the campaign fails to raise enough money, all funds will be returned to donors.
"Truthfully, I'm very self-conscious about asking for financial assistance," said Montgomery. "But I've trained hard and feel that I will represent both Canada and Squamish very well."
For more information on the campaign go to www.squamishtitans.com and click on "Send Wendy to Japan."
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