Dylan Roote finishes the 48th mile in a gruelling 48 hour trek in full firefighter turnout gear including a SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus). Roote has raised $2,983 and counting for Wounded Warrior Canada, an organization that provides therapy to veterans, first responders and their families. Photo submitted

Hub Staff

Wounded Warriors Canada (WWC) supports the mental health of veterans, first responders and their families through a wide range of therapy programs designed by a well equipped clinical team. One year into the COVID-19 pandemic, first responders have worked rigorously to keep up with the increasing demands. In response to the extraneous efforts made by these individuals, Dylan Roote, from Saugeen First Nation #29, decided to pay it back by collecting donations for the WWC while carrying out a challenge of his own. Roote set out to run 48 miles over a 48 hour period.

The 48 miles were divided into 12 four mile runs at four hour intervals, day and night. That meant that all of Roote’s meals, sleep, recovery and preparation had to happen within the approximately three hours that remained in each four hour period. Adding to this already ambitious feat, Roote completed each of these runs wearing full firefighter’s turnout gear and an SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus).

Not surprisingly, Roote trained extensively for the event and despite being an avid runner and having completed eight weeks of training with a weighted vest, Roote said in March 8 correspondence to Saugeen Shores Hub that he almost fainted during his first four miles. Instead of throwing in the towel, Roote paced himself and pushed on, completing his last mile on Sunday, March 7 with several local firefighters running by his side.

Roote was determined to honour those who have served and continue to serve Canadian citizens. “With the current pandemic, and mental health issues on the rise, I thought this was the perfect time to give back,” stated Roote. The cumbrance of the firefighter’s uniform and the suppression of the SCBA were physical reminders of the burdens first responders are required to work with on the job, further serving as a symbol for the added weight and handicap one carries everyday when suffering from a mental illness.

With the 48 hours and 48 miles behind him, Roote described his recovery. “My legs feel like jello, I have blisters on my feet, a sore back and neck, and yet I feel great,” exclaimed Roote. “I say this because the physical sacrifices I made translate to someone with mental health issues receiving the help they deserve. So let’s continue to give back because their recovery is much more important than mine,” he concluded.

Roote set out with a goal of raising $2,000, but crossed the finish line far ahead of his expectations. As of March 8, the total donations were just shy of $3,000. Roote sends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated.

Anyone wishing to support Roote’s challenge with a donation to the WWC can do so at secure.e2rm.com/registrant/FundraisingPage.aspx?registrationID=4874139

Photo submitted.

Anastasia Roote (front) stands with her Uncle Dylan Roote (back, right) and Curtis Roote (back, left) after Dylan completed a 48-mile journey to honour the veterans and first responders who suffer from mental illness. 

Friends and family of Dylan Roote cheered him on along his journey to complete four miles every four hours for 48 hours, raising money for Wounded Warriors Canada. “I was very happy to have the support from my family and friends throughout the community,” wrote Roote in March 8 correspondence to Saugeen Shores Hub. “I did not expect the level of support I received." Roote also wanted to acknowledge the help and encouragement from his mother as well as his brother, Curtis Roote. 

Firefighters, Deputy Fire Chief Curtis Roote, Captain Ashley Russell-Taylor, Lieutenant Jackson Weber, Lieutenant Sandy Root and Firefighter recruit James Besito were among the team of supporters who ran alongside Dylan Roote on his last stretch to complete the 48 mile journey in support of Wounded Warriors Canada on Sunday, March 7 in Saugeen First Nation #29.