‘There’s nothing that’s impossible’: Halifax woman completes Canadian Death Race in Rocky Mountains
Most people would have said, “Nope, not for me,” as soon as they heard the title: Canadian Death Race.
But not Kimberley MacKenzie.
The Nova Scotia woman was among hundreds to sign up for the ultramarathon -- a race less than half the competitors finished.
Known as the Canadian Death Race, the 125-kilometre ultramarathon sends participants through the Rocky Mountains in Grande Cache, Alta. Between three mountain summits, one river crossing, and 17,000 feet of elevation change, the race isn’t for the faint of heart.
So how did MacKenzie do it?
“It took a lot of concentration and focus,” she said. “You run, walk, crawl, swim in some places. It’s rocky, it’s windy, it’s cold.”
The race, which began back in 2000, took place between July 31 and Aug. 1.
“My perception of the race, where I was at, what I was doing, I really felt alone,” MacKenzie explained. “That is when my mind started to say, ‘You have nothing to prove.’”
Despite the blisters on her feet and aching knees, hips, and back, she pointed out that it’s all mind over matter.
“You really need to take control of your mind and keep going to get around that mental barrier,” she said.
MacKenzie completed the five-leg ultramarathon with two-and-a-half minutes to spare -- a feat that proved too grueling for many of her competitors.
“I come out feeling stronger mentally, physically, and emotionally. I guess that would be why I chose to do it,” she said. “I am no one special. I am not above average, I am not extraordinary. But I hope anybody that sees this knows that there’s nothing that’s impossible if you set your mind to it.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Minister 'outraged' after AFN national chief's headdress taken from Air Canada cabin
The federal minister of Crown-Indigenous relations is calling on Air Canada to 'make things right' with the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, who said her headdress was removed from an airplane cabin during a flight this week.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.