Coach JP’s 2026 Solstice Run

Supporting the Abbotsford Summer Starfish Pack Program

On June 20, 2026, I completed my self-supported, sunrise to sunset Solstice Run.

Rather than racing for a result, this effort was about doing something challenging with intention, and using that effort to support something bigger than myself.

I completed four full loops of the route, up and over McKee Peak four times throughout the day, plus a little extra at the end to total 75.79 km and 2,732 m of elevation in 16 hours, 13 minutes. I burned over 10,000 calories, and had to battle through some really tough times from around hour 6 onwards, but I got it done!

More importantly, with support from people like you, I raised over $14,000 by the end of the day to support the Summer Starfish Backpack Program, helping provide food to local kids and families who experience food insecurity during the summer months when school-based programs pause.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The fundraiser is open until July 10, so if you still want to donate, click here!

Why the Summer Starfish Backpack Program Matters

Food insecurity doesn’t take a break when school ends.

The Summer Starfish Backpack Program, operated through Archway Community Services, is a vital resource that helps keep children fed and families supported during the summer months when access to school meal programs is unavailable.

Last year, the program supported 450 students, providing bi-weekly food packs throughout the summer. The need continues to grow, and demand is expected to increase again this year.

Your donation has a very direct, tangible impact:

  • $168.42 $204 provides one student with a Starfish pack for the entire summer

  • $42.10 $50 supports a child for two weeks

Note the numbers above have been updated as of May 20, 2026, and reflect the impact of increased economic costs for the charity in providing the Starfish Packs since last year.

These contributions help reduce food stress for families and create stability during a time of year that can be especially challenging.

What Families Are Saying

Parents who have benefited from the Summer Starfish program share just how meaningful this support is:

“Without the Summer Starfish program, I don’t know how I would have managed to stretch our grocery budget.”

“With the extra help this program provided, I was able to still do summer activities with the children and hopefully created some positive core memories, without feeling any food anxiety.”

This support is about more than food alone. It’s about easing pressure on families and helping kids experience a healthier, more secure summer.

Donate Now

NOTE: The link above opens my fundraising page on CanadaHelps.org, where your donation gets sent straight to the charity

Image courtesy of the Abbotsford Starfish Pack program

Why a Solstice Run

Over the past few years, my own training has shifted away from chasing peak performance and toward staying capable, healthy, and useful over the long term.

The Solstice Run fits that philosophy.

It’s not about proving toughness or setting records. It’s about preparation, patience, and showing up consistently. Pairing that effort with a fundraiser felt like the most honest way to connect a physical challenge with real-world impact.

About the Run

The Solstice Run will took place on June 20, 2026, beginning at 5:04 am (official sunrise) and concluding by 9:17 pm (official sunset).

That gave me 16 hours and 13 minutes to go as far as I could over a challenging route within daylight.

While I didn’t achieve the distance targets I had in mind on the day and things got REALLY hard much earlier than I had anticipated, I can honestly say that I left nothing on the table with my effort. It was everything I had on the day, and that was the whole idea! (I will have a video coming out in the next few days covering the day’s events, which I will link here when it’s ready)

More importantly, by the end of the day, together with people just like you, we raised over $14,000 to support the Abbotsford Starfish Pack program. If you still want to donate, or want to learn more about the cause, read on below.

If you’re curious to follow along with my journey following this event, you can find updates here:

Where Your Donation Goes

Funds raised through this campaign will support local food security initiatives through the Summer Starfish Backpack Program.

Every contribution, regardless of size, helps ensure kids and families have access to food during the summer months and supports healthier outcomes across our community.

How You Can Help

If you’d like to support food security for local kids and their families, I’d be grateful.

  • Use the button below to donate if you’re able

  • Share this page with others who care about supporting children and families in our community

  • Follow me on social media (links above)

The run itself was one day. The impact of your support lasts much longer.

Thank you for being part of it!

Donate Now

NOTE: The link above opens my fundraising page on CanadaHelps.org, where your donation gets sent straight to the charity