Untimely back problems forced long-distance runner Dave Proctor to end his cross-Canada marathon near Landmark on Friday, July 27.

The 37-year-old, from Okotoks Alberta, notes his marathon’s objective was to raise funds for The Rare Disease Foundation, a cause inspired by his son who’s mobility is affected by a rare disease.

"I would run to the ends of the Earth for my son Sam, I would move mountains for him. I'm disappointed that I can’t still be out there running,” says Proctor. 

After running only 13 kilometers out of the 108 kilometers he had planned for the day, Proctor notes the pain in his back quickly became too great to deal with. A later MRI revealed a herniated disc near his spine and severe narrowing of his central column. His run ended close to Landmark, the longitudinal center of Canada.

Says Proctor: "The only way to really heal it is complete rest and treatment. The idea of continually running over a hundred kilometres a day is, in my opinion, impossible at this point and not a good choice".

In his absence, Proctor asks fellow Canadian runners to pick up where he left off and proceed across the Nation, submitting any distance logged to the Rare Disease Foundation who is continuing the fundraiser.