Some run to win, some run for running’s sake, while still others see it as a means to an end.

And traditionally, it’s not the average runner who tackles a 42-kilometre race. This Sunday’s (Oct. 12) Royal Victoria Marathon is no different.

Sure, there’s 2006 winner and Nanaimo native Steve Osaduik, who’s looking to better the course record he set that year of two hours, 16 minutes, 49 seconds. Then there’s fairfield resident Cheryl Murphy, who has a realistic shot at breaking the 20-year-old women’s record of 2:42:32.

Far from your average hoofers as well are 78-year-old Sister Lucy Dumont and 80-year-old Betty Jean McHugh of North Vancouver.

Captain of the Mount St. Marythoners team, Dumont is helping the Mount St. Mary Foundation with its goal of raising $25,000 to purchase equipment for Mount St. Mary Hospital.

Three years ago Dumont used a walker in her daily routine, but she’ll go without when she walks the 21K half-marathon for the third straight year, this time alongside Victoria city councillor Chris Coleman.

World marathon record holder Betty Jean McHugh owns the Royal Victoria event among the upper age categories. In 2003 McHugh ran the marathon in a world record time of 4:08:54 to win the women’s 75-79 division. In running her 21st marathon, she hopes to stamp her name on the 80-84 category.

In addition to the full and half marathons, there’s an 8K road race and the 1K Thrifty Foods Kids Run. For registration details visit www.royalvictoriamarathon.com.

To make a pledge to the Mount St. Mary campaign or join the Marythoners, contact Paula Greene at 250-480-3140 or email pgreene@msmfoundation.ca.

sports@vicnews.com