MP Ryan Leef runs 1,200 kilometres across Yukon in ‘unique’ summer tour

Ryan Leef, the only MP in Yukon, is on the final steps of a 1,200 -kilometre running tour of the territory from the border with the Northwest Territories to the B.C. border to raise money for the Canadian Diabetes Association.

“It’s a unique and new way to do my annual summer tour,” Leef told Yukon News. “Instead of driving to all the communities, I’ve taken the cleaner, greener route.”

Leef embarked on the campaign, called the Border to Border Challenge, after being inspired by a young man with juvenile diabetes who spoke at Parliament.

A former competitive distance runner and veteran marathoner, Leef averaged about 84K per day on the trip, topping his days off with constituent meetings and discussions about health issues affecting people in the region. Diabetes is 3–5 times more prevalent among aboriginal people than other Canadians.

Tonight, Leef is hosting a finish-line barbecue in Whitehorse.