By Andy Drukarev
 courtesy of Michael Kanning Through running, Michael Kanning has raised thousands of dollars for cancer research. |
Michael Kanning isn’t running a 100-mile race to win - or for glory. The Los Altos resident is running for his friend.
Andoni Schultz, a good friend of the 15-year-old Kanning, has dealt with cancer most of his life. Schultz has had “all kinds of surgeries, and it’s pretty hard for him and his family,” Kanning said. “I really admire him how he fights back.”
By running the Sept. 22 Rio del Lago Endurance Race in Granite Bay, Kanning will do his part to fight for his friend by raising money for cancer research, an endeavor he calls “Ultra for a Cure.”
“I just thought that I had some connections to people who could really benefit from getting a little bit closer to the cure for cancer,” Kanning said.
Rio del Lago will not be Kanning’s first race against cancer. In June 2006, he ran 68 miles in Marin County and raised $2,000. It wasn’t an official ultra-marathon; the run was something Kanning decided to do to help the cause. Since then, he has trained to build his endurance for next week’s 100-mile run.
“It’s not something you can do very quickly, and it requires a lot of patience over a long period of time - a few miles farther each month,” Kanning said of building his stamina. “With smart training and progressively going farther, I was able to get to where I think I’m ready for (the race). …I just really like being on the trail and exploring some new places.”
To prepare for the big race, Kanning runs 15 miles a day Mondays through Thursdays, 10 miles Fridays and 30 miles Saturdays. Sunday is his day of rest. Kanning estimates he runs between 80-90 miles a week in Los Altos Hills. In all, that’s like running from Los Altos to Stockton.
He’s also busy soliciting donations. As of last week, Kanning had raised $2,354 for the American Cancer Society.
“Any amount helps, and it’s very greatly appreciated,” he said.
Kanning, a junior on the cross-country team at Homestead High, hopes to run beyond high school.
“(I want) to make running a lifelong sport,” he said.”
To sponsor Kanning and make a donation, visit http://ultraforacure.blogspot.com and follow the link to the American Cancer Society.
