Kathy Donates $1000
Heather running for Alanna
Heather Ekstrom running for diabetes
Chris Miller
Thursday April 07, 2005
COLD LAKE -- A Cold Lake realtor will be embarking on an extraordinary adventure in Amsterdam.
Representing Team Diabetes Canada, Heather Ekstrom is training for the Amsterdam Marathon, recently voted one of the top 10 marathons in the world. The marathon is Oct. 16. Competing will allow Ekstrom to not only see the sites in this "Venice of the North", but also fulfill her personal dreams and save lives.
Team Diabetes Canada is a nationwide adventure fund-raising program of the Canadian Diabetes Association to support diabetes research and education through participation in international marathons and other events.
Ekstrom’s grandmother died in a diabetic coma eight years ago. Her inspiration for this marathon also comes from Alanna Bauman, an 11-year-old girl from Cold Lake with insulin-dependent diabetes.
Running is nothing new for Ekstrom, presently employed with Realty Executives. Her first marathon was the 2003 Canadian International Marathon in Toronto. This qualified her for the Boston Marathon, which she ran last April. Most recently, she won the 5k St. Patrick’s Day run in Edmonton on March 20. As part of her ongoing training, she intends on running a half marathon in Vancouver in May.
"Running is my drive, my therapy," said Ekstrom, "and I’m glad to finally have a cause to put it towards. It’s very exciting."
The time limit for the full marathon is 6.5 hours. Ekstrom’s personal marathon goal is three hours, 30 minutes. The technical merit of the Amsterdam Marathon course, coupled with the autumn weather, make the marathon a unique experience. It has a flat, fast course that brings together elite marathoners, including Olympic champions, in search of a new world record. It’s no surprise that people flock there to qualify for the Boston Marathon. Having the marathon start and finish lines inside Amsterdam’s 1928 Olympic Stadium further enhances this event.
Robert Cheboror of Kenya set a men’s track record at last year’s marathon, going the distance in 2.06.23. The Amsterdam Marathon 2004 also drew a record number of participants -- 16,000.
During the race, Ekstrom will see many facets of this remarkable city as she passes by the nature reserves on both sides of the Amstel River, the Maritime Museum, Chinatown, and the attractive Vondelpark. Amsterdam boasts a rich cultural heritage that combines the past, present, and future seamlessly.
As part of Team Diabetes, Ekstrom must raise a minimum of $1,100 by May 19, $2,400 by June 18, $3,700 by July 19, $5,000 by Aug.19, and $5,500 by Sept. 12. Kathy Pilon got Ekstrom off on the right foot by donating $1,000 last week.
In return for her fund-raising efforts, the Team Diabetes Canada program will provide her with race registration, accommodations, round-trip airfare, individualized online training through the Running Room, official team gear, and fund-raising materials and support.
Ekstrom is accepting donations at the Realty Executives office in Cold Lake South.
Most recently I have made the huge jump from agent with RE/MAX to Broker/Owner of Realty Executives Cold Lake. This has been an honor and a privilege. Dreams really do come true.
I’m looking forward to creating an environment for my staff and my clients that is safe, supportive and conducive to making one of the most important decisions of people’s lives…where their families will live, grow and interact.
Not only am I a realtor but a mother of four. I have beautiful twin daughters that are 19, a 17 year old son that is a heartbreaker and an incredible athlete and a 12 year old that will mechanically recreate the world, and last but not least a most precious two year old grandbaby.
The light of my life is my significant other Todd who has taught me to laugh, have fun and not take life so seriously. He has added an amazing dimension to my life that I am so thankful for.
With business and family my days are very full. When I can I add other dimensions to my life which include singing, many forms of physical activity..running, roller blading, aerobics. I love reading, quading and dancing. Also playing pool is my passion. You can even find me crocheting.
Thank you so much for taking the time to learn a little about me. I look forward to returning the opportunity and get to know you and your family better. I would love to be your liaison to the beautiful community of Cold Lake and home ownership.
- NUMBER1EXPERTS™ 
