Group of Melfort fighters running in Multi-K as fundraiser for muscular dystrophy

Sep 11, 2026 | 4:02 PM

Members of the Melfort Fire Department are taking their fundraising efforts to the limit next week.

Four firefighters will be running in the Melfort Multi-K on Sept. 19 to raise money in the fight against muscular dystrophy.

Fire Chief Leonard Whitney told northeastNOW that he didn’t have to twist any arms to get the firefighters involved.

“I had a couple of firefighters approach me about taking a different approach to our fundraising for [muscular dystrophy], so [they] suggested that they could run the Multi-K in their turnout gear,” Whitney said. “I thought that was a really great idea, and it kind of snowballed from one member to four.”

The firefighters will be running the 5 km distance in turnout gear, and Whitney said they have not yet decided whether to wear tanks. If they do wear tanks to run the 5K, it would mean 60 to 70 lbs. of additional weight. Even skipping the tanks would be a major challenge, according to Whitney.

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“It’s enough to make a difference, that’s for sure.”

While firefighters have often been geared up to undertake challenges for fundraising purposes, running a relatively long distance in turnout gear is unique. Whitney said the members will have their work cut out for them.

“It’s definitely not going to be an easy task, 5K in turnout gear, but they’re all pretty dedicated and they’ve been doing some heavy training here as of late to try to make sure they turn in a decent time as well,” said Whitney.

Donations can be e-transferred to firehall@melfort.ca , and Whitney asks that you indicate that the donation is for muscular dystrophy. You can also drop off donations at City Hall.

The Multi-K, celebrating its 15th year, starts just outside the Kerry Vickar Centre and has multiple race distances, including the half-marathon distance of 21.1 km.

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

by Cam Lee

Group of Melfort fighters running in Multi-K as fundraiser for muscular dystrophy

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