Sebastien Sasseville, Athlete with Type 1 Diabetes on Solo Run Across Canada Will Host Community Event in Montreal on Sunday, May 11th Along the Lachine Canal, Centennial Esplanade

200 members of the community expected to participate in 5 km fun run in support of Sasseville's mission to "Outrun Diabetes"

MONTRÉAL, May 6^th, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Endurance athlete and one of more than 3 million Canadians living with diabetes, Quebec native Sebastien Sasseville, will reach Montreal on Sunday, May 11th as part of his solo run across Canada. His arrival in the city will mark the 2500th km of his epic trek to "Outrun Diabetes." The public is invited to join Sebastien for a 5 km run on the Centennial Esplanade along the historic Lachine Canal on Sunday morning at 9:30 am.

Sasseville began the 7500 km journey on February 2nd in St. John's, Newfoundland, with the goal of arriving in Vancouver on November 14^th, World Diabetes Day. His mission is to inspire, educate and empower other people with diabetes to pursue their dreams.

"I'm doing this run because I want people to be inspired to live life to the fullest no matter what challenges they face," says Sasseville. "Outrun Diabetes is about overcoming obstacles, whether it's diabetes or any other hurdles people are dealing with in their lives. I hope people will follow my journey and be motivated to achieve their own personal goals."

Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2002, Sasseville was the first Canadian with type 1 diabetes to reach the summit of Mount Everest. A six-time Ironman, he also competed in Egypt's Sahara Race, a 250 km self-supported ultra-marathon. His latest challenge will cover a distance equal to 180 back-to-back-marathons.

Sasseville's route will include stops in Halifax, Moncton, Quebec, Montreal, Ottawa, Windsor, Toronto, Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon, Edmonton, and Calgary before he reaches the finish line in Vancouver. Events will be held in each location and local communities are invited to come out to meet Sasseville throughout his journey.   

Sasseville is a resident of Quebec City and has a communications degree from Laval University in Quebec. He is a member of Team Novo Nordisk, a global all-diabetes sports team of cyclists, triathletes and runners. He is also a frequent public speaker, delivering over 200 keynote addresses since 2005.

"I also want to thank my partners who have helped make this dream a reality. I couldn't complete this journey without the support of Team Novo Nordisk, Novo Nordisk, Animas Canada, Lifescan Canada and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF)," added Sasseville.

For more information about Sebastien and specific details on his route:

• www.outrundiabetes.ca
• https://www.facebook.com/CanadaRuns
• https://twitter.com/canadaruns
• Youtube Channel

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What :
Run With Sebastien Public Event

Where:
Centennial Esplanade, along the Lachine Canal (Corner of St-Patrick and Pitt streets)

When:
Sunday, May 11th. Run begins at 9 :30 AM

Who:
Everyone

Admission:
Free

SOURCE: Outrun diabetes

Media Contact: Melinda Travis, T: 213-926-1421, [email protected]