Photo Courtesy Wilf Marquis

By Tanner Smith

Great Cycle Challenge

Local cyclist raising money for the Sick Kids Foundation

Aug 25, 2024 | 9:05 AM

Local Grande Prairie Cyclist and member of the Tracklord Race Team, Wilf Marquis has been raising money throughout August for kids battling cancer.

Marquis is taking part in the Great Cycle Challenge again this year, and since he first started he has raised $3,816.

“This is something I like to do annually now, this being the third year; I like to put my passion of cycling and combine it with the ability to help people that need it, and it’s meaningful in its own way to me and others”

So far this month, Marquis has raised $759 for the Sick Kids Foundation.

Photo Courtesy Wilf Marquis

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He also set a goal of 1,000 kilometres for August, a goal he’s already passed thanks to his last race of the season, the Tour De Bowness in Calgary, and some local encouragement; “There are a couple of people within the social club here that do it, and we all just kind of push each other, and get out for a ride together if our schedules align.”

“The team here in the social club has had great support from various sponsors, and they’re always checking in to see how things are going.”

After doing this for three years, Marquis said it’s a combination of passion for cycling and supporting people who really need it, so even with his growing family, work and life, he makes time to get out and add on the kilometres.

“You kind of have to go into that month of August and find a balance of what’s obtainable and what’s not, but then obviously you know there is no ceiling to how many kilometres you can do in a month. Given that you find time outside of those things, whether it’s getting up early in the morning or staying up late after the kids go to bed and then just getting out there and getting some rides in.”

Wilf’s son Egan, whp took part in the Tour De Bowness Kid’s Race in Calgary (CC:Wilf Marquis)

Last year, Marquis got over 5,000 kilometres and raised over $1,500.

Anyone wanting to follow along with Marquis’s journey throughout August, or would like to donate, can visit his website.

Two other local Grande Prairie cyclists are also involved in the Great Cycle Challenge this year Kent Hill and Carl Lawson.