Canadian College Student Ran from Quebec to Sea Isle City For Charity

SEA ISLE CITY – On July 30, Pierre-Olivier Jacques ran into Sea Isle City and onto the resort’s 34th Street Beach. What makes his story interesting is that he ran all the way to Cape May County from Canada.
The 22-year old medical student from Quebec’s Laval University was running for a good cause: to raise funds and awareness for La Fondation Des Pompiers Du Quebec Pour Les Grands Brules, a foundation spear-headed by Canadian fire-fighters for serious burn victims. Jacques decided to raise money for the foundation after his uncle suffered burns to 45% of his body during a house fire. By the time he arrived in Sea Isle City, Jacques had raised more than $4,000 for the cause.
Jacques choose Sea Isle City as his final destination because he and his family have been visiting Sea Isle’s 34th Street beach every summer since he was two years old. His journey also took him through Lake George, NY, Philadelphia and Atlantic City. During every step of the more than 700-mile trek, which he completed in less than one month, he pushed a three-wheeled baby stroller, which carried water, food, clothes, a sleeping bag and a tent.
When he wasn’t resting at campgrounds, he took refuge inside private homes and fire stations, and he also spent two nights in a hotel. He spent the final evening of his trip sleeping on a bench on Atlantic City’s boardwalk.
“I feel great!” exclaimed Jacques as he entered Sea Isle’s 34th Street beach. Waiting for him on the sand was a sizable group of family members, friends and other supporters, including Sea Isle City Councilmen John Divney and Bill Kehner, who presented the runner with a “Key to Sea Isle City.” Also there to greet him were members of the Sea Isle City and Ocean View Volunteer Fire Departments.
“It was similar to running 27 consecutive marathons,” said Jacques with his French-Canadian accent. “I met many nice people along the way. I did not realize that I wouldn’t be permitted to run on certain roads, but I dealt with detours day-by-day and always found solutions.”
During his journey, he also dealt with five flat tires, a broken frame on his push-stroller and the summer elements. However, nothing could stop the enthusiastic athlete from reaching Sea Isle City.
“If I can help burn victims, I will,” he said. “I also would like to be a plastic surgeon when I complete medical school.”
After speaking with his supporters for about an hour on the beach, Jacques and his entire entourage were loaded onto two fire engines (one from Sea Isle City and one from Ocean View), which carried them to Sea Grove Campground on Route 9, where the Jacques family typically resides while visiting Cape May County.
Jacques ran in his first competitive race four years ago here in Sea Isle City, during the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol’s 2007 10-Mile Island Run. He has also competed in Iron-Man Competitions, the Boston Marathon, the Montreal Marathon and other major races. He plans to once again compete in the 10-Mile Island Run on August 6 – this time with his father and his uncle at his side.
For additional information about Pierre-Olivier Jacques’ epic journey from Canada to South Jersey, visit www.fondationdespompiers.ca.