Speaking at the end of the event, Abdou A. Kanteh, national programme manager of Nova-Scotia Gambia Association (NSGA), said the exercise was the brainchild of Erin Poirier, a Canadian citizen from the province of Nova Scotia.
The run was initiated out of the need to raise funds for NSGA to continue implementing projects in The Gambia.
“Ms Erin supported by Ashley Sharpe with three other Gambians in 2011 exhibited great tolerance and resilience by running from Koina to Banjul, a distance of 424km within 19 days, to help raise funds in Canada as well as in The Gambia,” Mr Kanteh said, adding that the same distance is sometimes covered in 17 days.
“Love4Gambia run has raised a significant amount of money for NSGA and in a few years to come, the marathon will be a household name in both Gambia and Canada,” he added.
Momodou Sarr, NSGA coordinator and also a runner in the marathon, said: “This is not the first time I am participating in the run.It has become part of me now, and I love it.”
He said they faced a lot of difficulties this year compared to the previous four years, as they had to push the vehicle they were using every single day before it can start.
Mr Sarr, therefore, urged Nova Scotia in Canada to intervene in avoiding such happening again.
Juliane Lacroix, lead runner from Ottawa, Canada, said the Love4Gambia run is more than a run; it is an amazing experience.
She said the run has been one of the most incredible things she has ever done in her life, adding that it was not quite easy, but she has no regret in taking up the challenge of running 424km to make a difference in someone’s life.
