The long and daunting 206km Trek is now behind me. It has been an emotional rollercoaster since leaving Grande Prairie Fire Department Station 1 on Saturday, June 9th. I had some really difficult moments such as running against 50km/hr gusting wind combined with cold hard rain, or starting days 2, 3, 4, and 5 with foot and leg injuries that were progressively getting worse (I’ve been told I hid it well).
Despite these, I also had some really high moments that made it all worthwhile. The overwhelming support from family, emergency services (fire, police and EMS alike), friends and the community at large was incredible. Running alongside other firefighters, RCMP, municipal employees, my father, and my brother helped me keep pace and encouraged me to keep going strong until the next checkpoint. Receiving messages of thanks from friends and family members of LODD firefighters put meaning to what I was doing.
So many high points in my journey carried me to the finish.
Together, we raised (so far) over $13,000 for the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation while also bringing awareness to the importance of staying fit and healthy. It’s never too late to donate. You can do so at cfff.ca and if you wish to have your donation amount added to the Northern Trek total tally, mention “Northern Trek” in the message section of the donation form.
Thank you!!
DC J. Bergeron
