Laurier students run from Waterloo to Guelph to raise funds for colorectal cancer research

Three Wilfrid Laurier University students are running a 31-kilometre route from Waterloo to Guelph on Friday to raise money and awareness for colorectal cancer; their fundraiser had surpassed its $5,000 goal and exceeded $6,000 at publication.

Three Wilfrid Laurier University students are taking on a 31-kilometre run from the Laurier sign in Waterloo to the University of Guelph gryphon statue on Friday. They planned the run to raise awareness and funds for colorectal cancer research and initiatives. The students trained on treadmills and completed a half marathon together as part of their preparation. Their fundraiser was set for $5,000 and had already exceeded that goal at the time of publication. Key facts: - The runners are named Ryan Usprech, Ariel Babichev, and Michael Wieland. - The run begins at 3:00 p.m. Friday, with a 2:30 p.m. send-off at the Laurier sign, and they expect to arrive near 6:00 p.m. - The route covers about 31 kilometres and the last 2.5 kilometres will be run with the University of Guelph Gryphon Run Club. - Proceeds from the fundraiser will go to Colorectal Cancer Canada, and the campaign had raised more than $6,000 at publication, above a $5,000 target. - The students have prepared by increasing mileage individually and ran a half marathon together as part of training. - The effort coincides with March being Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and follows broader discussion about screening ages and rising incidence among younger adults. Summary: The run has attracted substantial local support and exceeded its original fundraising goal, underscoring community interest in colorectal cancer causes. The students will carry out the 31-kilometre run on Friday with a planned finish at the Guelph gryphon statue around 6:00 p.m., and they have said they may do the event again next year.