Countless tears, 21.1 kilometers, and one giant blister later, Sharon Rentz is back in the Battlefords - and beaming with success.
May 30, Rentz, along with her daughter Jade Koslowski, daughter-in-law Heather Rentz and niece Michelle Salisbury, participated in the Calgary Marathon to raise money for diabetes research. This is a cause that is dear to the family's heart, since Rentz's son has been living with type 1 diabetes.
The four women walked the marathon with Team Diabetes, a national fundraising program for the Canadian Diabetes Association, which raises money by reserving spots in run, walk or bike events, and providing support to the participants, who then collect pledges.
Rentz hoped to raise $1,000 for the cause, but the group exceeded their expectations and managed to raise $4,200.
"The next couple days after the marathon we were Facebooking each other like crazy, saying 'good job,'" said Rentz.
Besides accomplishing the fundraising goal, the four successfully finished their first marathon.
Koslowski said her feet started to get sore around the 10K mark, but she never doubted she would be able to finish. She said the support from other runners and volunteers was amazing.
"There was even people on the sides of the roads, cheering you on," said Koslowski.
After successfully completing their first marathon, Rentz and her daughter said they would consider taking part in the event again next year, and they will be participating in the June 11 Relay for Life.
"If there was another event to raise money for diabetes, I would do it for sure," said Koslowski.
