The Sault Stryders Running Club received the following
letter from the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
asking for our participation and support in the
Marathon Strides Against MS fund raising program.

I am writing on behalf of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada to tell
you about a fund raising project called Marathon Strides Against MS. From
reading your web page I understand that the Sault Stryders are a group of
committed runners who enjoy racing across the province. We would like to
invite you to offer your members a chance to expand upon their marathon
experience by joining the Marathon Strides Against MS team in either the
Canadian International Marathon (Toronto, Oct. 15th) or the Casino Niagara
Marathon (Niagara, Oct. 22nd). Let me provide you with a very brief outline
of what Marathon Strides Against MS is and perhaps I can send you some
brochures to distribute to your club members.

Marathon Strides Against MS (MSAMS) is a fund raising program that
encourages runners of all levels to set two goals: training for a race and
raising vital funds for MS research. Raising funds for MS while running
marathons is a natural fit. The majority of individuals participating in
marathons are likely between the ages of 20-50, this is also the age when MS
typically strikes. Canada has one of the highest incidence rates of MS
worldwide and over 50,000 Canadians have MS. Just as a runner can never be
sure what will happen to his/her body during the course of a marathon, an
individual with MS can face a variety of unpredictable symptoms including
extreme fatigue, vision impairment, pained limbs, loss of balance, numbness,
and even paralysis.

Now entering its third year, Marathon Strides Against MS has raised over
$95,000.00 for MS research. Marathon Striders can choose to participate in
either the National Capital Race Weekend (Ottawa, May 13th and 14th), The
Canadian International Marathon (Toronto, October 15th), or the Casino
Niagara International Marathon (Niagara, October 22nd). Some Marathon
Striders run the full or half marathon, and some form corporate teams to
share the distance.

Being a part of Marathon Strides is a great way to add to your marathon
experience. It is impossible to describe the tremendous sense of
satisfaction one has upon realizing the incredible personal achievement of
finishing a marathon while at the same time knowing that you have shown your
support for the nearly 50,000 Canadians who have MS. We have terrific
awards based on funds raised and a finish line tent where striders gather
after the race to share stories and enjoy additional refreshments.

I hope that you will consider presenting this opportunity to your club
members. We would appreciate any exposure that you can offer - ie. web page
(see announcement on the CIM site http://www.runtoronto.com) or in your
newsletter (see Running Room Newsletter - April 2000 and August 1999
http://www.runningroom.com/) or distribution of brochures at a club
gathering....Thank you in advance for your consideration of this proposal.
Please do not hesitate to call if you have any questions or if you would
like some more details about Marathon Strides Against MS. I can be reached
at 416 922-6600 ext 2313 or 1-800-268-7582 ext 2313.

Sincerely,

Sarah Hunter
Special Events Coordinator
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada