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Chilliwack, B.C. runner to celebrate her birthday by running 100K for Special Olympics

On July 23, Kalyn Head will turn 25, and plans to run 100K from her hometown of Chilliwack to Vancouver to support the Special Olympics

kalyn head

For most, birthdays are a time to reflect on the year, celebrate with friends and family and try to remain calm about being a year older. But for the past five years, Chilliwack runner Kalyn Head has been celebrating her birthday in an unusual way that also gives back to her community; on Saturday (her 25th birthday), she will run 100K from her hometown to Vancouver in support of Special Olympics B.C.

Head began doing birthday challenges at the age of 20. Now, she’s five years in and ready to conquer her third 100K. Photo: courtesy of Kalyn Head

“I like to set different goals for myself, and I don’t love celebrating my birthday,” Head says. “Instead of getting gifts, I have turned to running.” She started doing birthday challenges when she turned 20. “My first challenge was to run a half marathon every month of the year,” Head says, and she uses her running challenges to raise valuable funds for non-profits such as the SPCA and at-risk youth programs in Chilliwack. Last year, she completed a 100K birthday challenge, running to Abbotsford and back while raising more than $17,000. The funds help Special Olympic B.C. rent facilities and purchase new equipment. “My goal is to make sports more accessible for those with intellectual disabilities,” says Head. “Programs like Special Olympics push them to live a healthy and social lifestyle.”

Head with Justin, one of the Special Olympics athletes she coaches.

She has volunteered with Special Olympics B.C. for six years, helping run programs and coach athletes. “The reward for doing these challenges means the world to me and these kids,” says Head. “I am happy I can contribute to my community.”

Head, who works as a kindergarten teacher, is hoping for a personal best time of under 11 hours. She has been training upward of 120 kilometres a week, and has even started a morning running program at the park behind her school. “All the kids tell me they want to run 100K one day,” she laughs. 

She will begin her challenge early on Saturday morning, hoping to finish before the sun sets in Vancouver. You can follow the challenge on her Instagram page @kalynsbdaymarathon. If you would like to support Head’s goal for Special Olympics B.C., you can check it out here.

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