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Comox stair climb exceeds fundraising target

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Jan Kotyk watched the sun rise from the stairs at Goose Spit, Sunday morning, after kicking off another fundraising event to benefit charities that help children.

The Merville ultra-marathoner started climbing the stairs at 4 a.m., and pledged to continue until 4 p.m. For the most part, he would walk up and run down.

“There were a few points where I started to bonk out, but then I just needed to carry some food up and eat on the way down,” Kotyk said during the climb.

Earlier this year, he ran 200-plus kilometres in three days to raise money for the Comox Valley charity YANA (You Are Not Alone). This time, the beneficiary is the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island, which has supported his son Asher, who underwent three open-heart surgeries before the age of two.

RELATED: Merville marathoner to climb stairs for charity

Kotyk’s goal was to raise $3,000. Donations had already exceeded the target by Sunday morning.

“Pretty incredible, pretty excited about that,” he said. “Anything extra is bonus.”

To donate, visit bit.ly/3JwE22q



reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com

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Asher leaps into his father’s (Jan Kotyk) arms during the 12 Hours of Stairs fundraiser at Goose Spit. Scott Stanfield photo