The May 50K is a global fundraiser for people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Airdronian runner Steven Gray spent his Sunday running 50km to support the cause. 

Gray has participated in the event before, but this is the first time he has ever done it in one day. 

“It took four hours and 35 minutes. That's five minutes and 30 seconds per kilometre,” says Gray. 

Steve Gray

As someone with a family member affected by MS, Gray says the run lies close to his heart. 

“My dad was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis when he was 36 years old. He had progressive MS, so within four years, he was in a wheelchair. It was very difficult for our entire family.” 

Gray says there are a lot of families out there that deal with MS in their lives and says the disease can be brutal. 

“I used to run marathons in my 30’s. After I ran the Calgary Marathon in 1995, I lost feeling from my chest down. I went for an MRI and the doctor told me that I had MS as well. It was very scary.” 

Luckily for Gray, the feeling he lost eventually came back. He hasn’t had another attack since and is able to function normally. 

“I looked after my dad for years until we could no longer look after him. He'd lost his battle with MS due to complications with pneumonia. He was 63 years old. I’m 59 years old right now and ran 50k to support everybody with MS.” 

Gray was able to raise $374 so far and is still taking donations, but says the reason why he ran isn't about the donations. 

“I did it for awareness and for families that are dealing with MS. I want to let them know we're all there to support you. I had all of the running community in Airdrie supporting me and I would like to thank them all.” 

There are currently over 90,000 people in Canada living with MS. 

“One of the ladies I ran with yesterday, her son who is 31 years old, was diagnosed with MS in February. His drugs are $32,000 per year.” 

If people would still like to register to be a part of the “The May 50k” and run 50 kilometres to help raise awareness for MS, do so by clicking through their website. 

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