Arthritis runner returns home

Cathy Kowal is happy to be home after having completed a 42-km run at Walt Disney World in Florida some 10 days ago to raise money and awareness for arthritis research.
The First Nations police officer had been training for the marathon for the past eight months with the help and inspiration of local arthritis sufferer Melvin Haukaas.
“Melvin has been a great support and inspiration for me through all of this,” Kowal said. “For me, this race was my way of helping to raise money for arthritis research, and I am satisfied to say that I think I managed to do that.”
Though Kowal had wanted to finish the run in under four hours, her final time was over her goal by 30 minutes. Still, it was a time she was very pleased with.
“It wasn’t the time I had wanted to complete the run in but I am still very happy with the race,” Kowal said last week. “In the end, I think I came in 185th out of [740] runners from my age category.”
Haukaas, who has become a close friend of Kowal through their work on this fundraising effort, was amazed at the work she went through to prepare for the physically gruelling race.
“She is an absolute treasure,” he remarked. “When I first met Cathy, I was taken immediately by her enthusiasm and her energy. Those qualities are what saw her to the end of this competition.”
For Haukaas and others like him who suffer from the debilitating disease, Kowal’s dedication and determination to complete the run helped to bring a cure for arthritis one step closer to reality.
“Cathy was astonishing in her commitment to complete the marathon for the cause of arthritis,” Haukaas remarked. “Her fundraising efforts are important because the money she raised helps researchers develop new medications to help people suffering from arthritis.”
Excited to be competing in such a high-profile race, Kowal found herself unable to concentrate on anything other than the marathon itself–despite her being a guest at the “happiest place on earth.”
“The first two days before the race, all I could think about was the marathon,” she admitted. “We had been given passes to go into Walt Disney World but when the race was over, I was lucky that I could walk.
“I really didn’t get to enjoy the sights too much.”
Now able to reflect back on the race, Kowal is satisfied with her performance and is touched by the support she was given by the community.
“I just want to thank the Rainy River District for all of their support,” noted Kowal. “I raised $6,000 for arthritis research, and that is really what this whole thing came down to.”
Those interested in watching Kowal compete in the “Joints in Motion” Marathon can catch the race Feb. 6 on ESPN.