'Godfather' of Cape Breton running completes last leg of Cabot Trail Relay Race
The man many call 'The Godfather' of Cape Breton running finished off an achievement of a lifetime over the August long weekend.
Peter Hanna of Whitney Pier, N.S. turns 81 in November. For years, it's been a goal of his to become the first to finish all 17 legs of the Cabot Trail Relay Race - twice. It’s a total of nearly 600 kilometres over some of the most challenging, mountainous terrain.
When the last two relays were cancelled due to COVID-19, Hanna decided he would run the final two legs he needed on his own.
"I was quite confident that I could get the distance in," says Hanna, who has been battling prostate cancer for the past three years.
Herbie Sakalauskas is a filmmaker and fellow runner who has been following Peter's every step for a documentary called The Last Leg.
"You think of how many people are in their 80s, and maybe they're not able to get out and walk or run. But here's Peter getting out there," Sakalauskas says.
The final test, on Saturday, was a hilly 18.7 kilometres from Middle River, N.S. to the village of Baddeck. When Hanna came through the finish on Chebucto St. - which had been closed down for the event - hundreds of well-wishers were there to greet him.
"There was people here that I haven't seen for a long time," Hanna said. “I just think it's so wonderful that they were still thinking and come out to see me. I mean, who am I?" asked Hanna.
The day was also bittersweet. While Hanna, who is also an accomplished triathlete and an IronMan finisher, plans to continue running - he says his days competing are now over.
"I won't be racing," Hanna says. “I'll go out and do my runs and whatever I can achieve, I'll do it. Trying to get some swimming in. I haven't been biking much."
Now that Peter's work is done, next up is the documentary. Sakalauskas says the plan is for the one hour film to be ready for viewing sometime in winter 2022.
"This is more than a story about a man running. It's about life. And just being a super awesome human," Sakalauskas explains.
As for Hanna, who has been running since age 40 and racing since 1980, he takes all of the attention in stride.
"I don't think of myself as inspiring," Hanna says. “I'm just.. Peter."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
There's actually no such thing as vegetables. Here's why you should eat them anyway
The rumours are true: Vegetables aren't real — that is, in botany, anyway. While the term fruit is recognized botanically as anything that contains a seed or seeds, vegetable is actually a broad umbrella term.
BREAKING Israeli forces seize Rafah border crossing in Gaza, putting ceasefire talks on knife's edge
Israeli tanks seized control of Gaza’s vital Rafah border crossing on Tuesday as Israel brushed off urgent warnings from close allies and moved into the southern city even as ceasefire negotiations with Hamas remained on a knife’s edge.
The Met Gala was in full bloom with Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Mindy Kaling among the standout stars
The Met Gala and its fashionista A-listers on Monday included Jennifer Lopez, Zendaya and a parade of others in a swirl of flora and fauna looks on a green-tinged carpet lined by live foliage.
'It looked so legit': Ontario man books $7,700 luxury villa on Booking.com, but the listing was fake
An Ontario man says he was charged more than $7,700 to book a luxury villa on a popular travel website -- but the listing was fake.
Noelia Voigt resigns as Miss USA, citing her mental health
Noelia Voigt, who was crowned Miss USA in November 2023, has announced she is resigning from her role, saying the decision is in the best interest of her mental health.
Putin begins his fifth term as president, more in control of Russia than ever
Vladimir Putin began his fifth term Tuesday as Russian leader at a glittering Kremlin inauguration, setting out on another six years in office after destroying his political opponents, launching a devastating war in Ukraine and concentrating all power in his hands.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.