Chris Stanger (left) leads the Wounded Warrior Run into a community in 2022. It was his first time participating in the event and will run again in 2023. (submitted photo/John's Photography, Sooke, B.C.)

By Alex Rawnsley

just keep running

‘The pain for us each day is only short-lived:’ Qualicum firefighter gearing up for second Wounded Warrior run

Feb 7, 2024 | 4:40 PM

QUALICUM BEACH — The drive to create a network of support, along with added awareness about vital health programming for first responders is what keeps Chris Stanger running.

A volunteer firefighter in both Qualicum Beach and Courtenay, as well as a Town staff member, Stanger will participate in his second straight Wounded Warrior run down Vancouver Island beginning Feb. 25.

The eight-day, 800-kilometre journey down Island aims to raise money for the national mental health service supporting veterans, first responders and their families.

“Being a firefighter for the last 18 years…I’ve just been exposed to the amount of traumatic injuries and stress related to that job,” Stanger said on the run. “I just felt Wounded Warriors was a good organization to be involved in, to try and promote the services they provide for my colleagues.”

After setting off from Port Hardy, the run makes overnight stops in Woss, Sayward, Campbell River and Comox.

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On Feb. 29, Stanger expects to lead the procession into Qualicum Beach. The following day the group will travel between Parksville and Nanaimo before continuing south on March 2.

They wrap on March 3 in Victoria.

Stanger (right) completes another training run with Comox Valley RCMP Sgt. Rob Brennan in late January, as both prepare for the 2023 Wounded Warriors Run. (submitted photo/John’s Photography, Sooke, B.C.)

Stanger told NanaimoNewsNOW running in the event for the first time last year was a “humbling experience”.

In addition to the sheer scale of the run, which is completed relay-style among a team of eight, the group makes nearly 30 stops at Legions, fire halls and police stations.

“It’s definitely a challenge to keep that going day in day out especially when you’re on the asphalt and the pounding on your legs each day. The pain for us each day is only short-lived, it’s more about getting the information out about what Wounded Warriors can do for folks who do need that help.”

Stanger moved from his homeland of Scotland in 2009 and aside from a few years in Squamish, has called the Island home ever since.

Training is difficult to fit in between multiple fire department callouts and a full-time job, but he manages to make it work.

“I get as much training in as I can, it can be challenging at times due to work commitments and the fire service. Being a volunteer firefighter getting the calls in the middle of the night, and then trying to get your work done, I’ve certainly done more than a few midnight runs to try and keep that training up.”

The 52-year-old Stanger said he’s “very fortunate” to be physically and mentally fit, and is driven to use his situation to better the lives of others.

He said he’s seen first responders new to the profession, or with 20 years of experience, suffer from occupational stress injuries.

“You just never know when that may come, so to me it’s an ongoing thing and it’s just being able to help, give education out there and let everybody know that help is out there.”

More on the run, including how to donate to Wounded Warriors Canada, is available on their website.

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