Nem Vas' day on his feet was longer than usual on Saturday.
When Vas arrived for his usual 10 to 12-hour shift at the Filly & Co. restaurant in Aurora at lunchtime, he had already ran a marathon.
Setting off at 4:46 a.m. from the Filly, Vas ran straight down Yonge Street to the CN Tower, arriving in downtown Toronto more than five hours later.
“I feel good, honestly the knees are a little sore, the 'dogs' are barking, but other than that, I feel OK,” he said. “A few hours to drink and get some food in me, and ready to rock 'n' roll.”
“I do another miserable 10 kilometres behind the bar, in my little cubicle, but it’s all good.”
This was the third year in a row Vas has run the route to raise money for charity.
Vas and Taylor Wright, who did not run this year due to an injury, organized Taylor and Nem’s Fundraising Marathon and raised more than $10,000 for the Aurora Food Pantry this year.
“Working here as long as I have, maybe I’m in my 13th year now,” he said, “I do realize that we are kind of fortunate to be spending money at restaurants, especially at this time.”
“I mean, $10 pints is getting a little outrageous, so I think it’s a good way to give back to the community or people who can’t necessarily spend money at restaurants, and dining out.”
The first year the pair raised $6,000 and $8,000 the second year.
Vas said while they plan to continue with the runs, they were thinking of changing the format in the future, envisioning a shorter run with more participants to get the community involved.
Vas added Wright may do the run later in the week if her injury improves.
You can support their fundraiser until Aug. 31 by donating here.
