Mark’s 100 Mile Mission: A Testament to Resilience
At the Move for Life Foundation, we believe that life after a transplant knows no limits. No one embodies this more than Mark, a liver transplant recipient who’s training to conquer the Haliburton Forest 100 Mile Race on September 6-7, 2025—Ontario’s toughest ultra-trail challenge. His story is one of grit, hope, and unstoppable determination.
A Life-Changing Diagnosis
Mark’s journey began in 1985, when, as a high schooler, he was diagnosed with chronic active hepatitis, an idiopathic condition. Under the care of Dr. C.N. Ghent at University Hospital in London, Ontario, Mark managed his condition for over two decades. In 1998, Dr. Ghent delivered sobering news: Mark would likely need a liver transplant within 10 years. By fall 2009, early signs of liver failure emerged, landing him on the transplant waiting list. For 15 months, Mark endured declining health, including relapses into hepatic comas for the final six months. In February 2011, a life-saving liver transplant gave him a second chance.
Running as a Lifeline
Running has been Mark’s anchor through life’s storms. Inspired by his parents, who completed four marathons in Canada and the U.S. during the late ’80s and early ’90s, Mark took up running in 2000 to cope with the anxiety of his chronic illness. He conquered the Ottawa Marathon in 2004 and the Mississauga Marathon in 2005, alongside numerous half-marathons and 30K races. But in 2008, life got busy—Mark and his wife were building a business, and raising their children took priority. By October 2009, as his health declined, running took a backseat.
Post-transplant, rebuilding endurance was a slow process. It took years for Mark to reclaim his regular 10K neighborhood route. Then, in 2020, a cottage purchase across from Haliburton Forest introduced him to trail running. The rugged beauty of the trails hooked him. In 2023, he completed the Haliburton Forest 26K race, followed by the Limberlost 56K and Haliburton 50-miler in 2024. These achievements set the stage for his boldest goal yet: the Haliburton Forest 100 Miler.
Why the Haliburton 100?
The Haliburton Forest 100 Mile Race is no ordinary challenge. Known for its grueling terrain and relentless elevation, it’s a test of physical and mental fortitude. For Mark, it’s more than a race—it’s a declaration that life after a transplant can be limitless. “So many factors are outside my control, but that’s the nature of the sport,” Mark says. His recent success at the Sulphur Springs 100K in May 2025, where he finished in 15 hours—beating his 16.5-hour goal—proved he’s ready. Despite muddy trails and fading endurance in the final 40K, Mark’s nutrition plan and love for hills carried him through. Now, he’s logging long runs on Strava, fine-tuning for the 30+ hours he’ll face at Haliburton.
Move for Life: Inspiring Action
At the Move for Life Foundation, we’re proud to support Mark’s journey. Our mission is to inspire transplant recipients to embrace active, fulfilling lives. Mark’s story shows that a transplant isn’t the end—it’s a new beginning. Through our Foundation events, a September movement challenge and the Walk n’ Talk October 4th, 2025 (London, Hamilton, Saskatoon, and Regina), we encourage everyone to get moving. For those inspired to support our work, we are finalizing a Canadian Transplant Games Grant- stay tuned for more info!
Join Mark’s Journey
Mark’s training is a beacon of hope, tracked on Strava where he connects with the trail running community. His story isn’t just about running 100 miles—it’s about defying odds and inspiring others. Join us in cheering him on!
Follow Mark's training along on our Move for Life Instagram and Facebook to recap his runs, Mark's recovery during training sessions, nutrition, and more.
Let's go Mark!