At just 18 years old, Port Colborne's Adam Saltarelli is preparing for a challenge that would test even the world's most seasoned endurance athletes. Beginning August 8, the recent Lakeshore Catholic High School graduate plans to run 550 miles around Lake Ontario in just 21 days, roughly the equivalent of a marathon every single day.
The ambitious fundraiser, dubbed LO550, will support Canadian Tire Jumpstart while documenting every mile of the journey online. Saltarelli says the idea came even before he completed his first 100-mile ultramarathon, a race he finished earlier this month while raising more than $2,500 for Jumpstart.
After discovering he still had plenty left in the tank despite the grueling event, he decided it was time to think even bigger.
Running has been part of Saltarelli's life since Grade 8, when he and his father completed a Couch to 5K program together. Inspired by Canadian icons like Terry Fox, and more recently cross-Canada runner Ryan Keeping, he hopes his latest challenge will not only raise money but also encourage others to push beyond what they think is possible.
Saltarelli says helping Jumpstart is close to him as well.
Community members can support the effort by sponsoring individual miles, donating directly to the project, or contributing to Jumpstart. Saltarelli says any money raised beyond the cost of completing the run will be donated to the charity, helping more children overcome financial barriers to sports and recreation.
(Written by: Matt Latour)