COLD LAKE - Curtis Hargrove, a marathon runner from Cold Lake, is no stranger to pushing the limits for charity. His latest mission has been to raise awareness and funds for the Stepping Stones Crisis Society, an organization that supports women and children experiencing domestic violence.
Recently, Hargrove took on a unique challenge, running a gruelling 21-km marathon in high heels, first in Edmonton on Aug.16, and most recently in Regina on Sep. 8 during the GMS Queen City Marathon.
Hargrove’s journey as a runner began early.
"I've always been a runner, since I was younger," he shares. In high school, "I competed in cross country, track and field. I was district champion and track and field champ."
His first marathon came at the age of 15 when his uncle encouraged him to do it.
“I ended up running the Edmonton Marathon. I won the 19 and under category, ran a 3:57:42, and then my love for marathon running grew from there,” he recalls.
Charity runs became part of Hargrove’s life after his grandfather, who raised money for the Terry Fox Foundation, was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Inspired by his grandfather and Terry Fox, Curtis set out in 2007 on a journey covering 34 marathons in 34 days, raising $50,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation.
In 2013, Hargrove took on a different kind of challenge - walking 300 kilometres in four-inch heels from Cold Lake to Edmonton to raise awareness for survivors of domestic abuse.
“I did it for the YWCA to raise awareness for women and children who suffer from abuse,” he explains.
Hargrove’s latest challenge was an ambitious attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon in high heels by a male, all in support of the Stepping Stones Crisis Society. Though he faced setbacks with his footwear, Curtis successfully completed 21 kilometres in Regina - a notable improvement from his previous attempt in Edmonton, where his heels broke mid-race, forcing him to finish part of the marathon barefoot.
“These last two attempts didn’t go as planned," he shares. "But mentally, I know how to prepare myself now for future attempts."
Beyond raising money, Hargrove is committed to raising awareness about the struggles of women and children facing domestic violence.
“My blisters will heal,” he says. “But these women and children are fighting trauma every day.”
For Hargrove, the cause is personal, and his efforts continue to garner national support.
“I have people supporting me all across the country,” he says. “It’s the people who help raise the money who deserve the most thanks. I’m just the one running.”
He hopes his efforts will help Stepping Stones achieve their goal of building a new facility to better serve those in need.
“With this new building, they’ll be able to help twice as many women and children,” says Hargrove. “I really want to push awareness for this and help raise the funds needed.”
As he prepares for his next challenge - the Chicago Marathon on Oct. 13 - Hargrove remains dedicated to the cause.
“I've raised over $400,000 for various charities in my lifetime,” he says. “And I’m just going to continue to do that until I can’t do it anymore.”
And while the high heels may have hindered his most recent runs, Hargrove hasn’t ruled them out for Chicago.
“You never know, you might see me in high heels in Chicago.”
Individuals can support Hargrove's mission to raise awareness for domestic violence survivors by donating in just three steps. Visit the link HERE, select "Walk a Mile" from the drop-down menu, and dedicate your donation to Hargrove by entering his name. Once a donation is complete, a charitable tax receipt will be sent.
