麻豆社区

Using his favourite sport to promote a healthier society is a no-brainer for Yukon MP Ryan Leef.

The territory's only federal representative finished 38th overall in the GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon Sunday in Victoria BC, running to raise awareness and funds for the Canadian Diabetes Association.

The 38-year-old Leef finished the 42.195-kilometre route in under three hours, clocking in at 2:58:15 鈥� the top time among local competitors.

Leef, assistant superintendent of the Whitehorse Correctional Centre and mixed-martial arts fighter prior to his political career, is a well-known long distance runner.

"I was looking at using some of my past-life talents in politics and my role as a Member of Parliament to try and build awareness for a good cause,鈥� the Conservative MP told the Star today.

"Diabetes was a straightforward choice. Diabetes in the Yukon is probably the single biggest health issue that we have in the territory and in the North in general.鈥�

On November 1 鈥� the start of Diabetes Awareness Month 鈥� Leef will announce how much was raised via his run.

"The awareness and prevention of diabetes also deals with active and healthy lifestyles, and that's been something I've been trying to promote throughout the last year,鈥� he said. "One of the ways to help deal with diabetes, or even prevent diabetes in the first place, is to live a healthy lifestyle. So it was kind of a nice fit.鈥�

While sitting in the House of Commons, Leef works hard to maintain an active lifestyle, which he hopes will be an example for his constituents.

"I think the Yukon can be encouraged that their MP believes that being healthy and active is a positive thing,鈥� he said.

Staying in shape helps Leef as he travels back and forth to the nation's capital and across the Yukon.

"If you can survive the throes of a marathon, then an 11-, 12-hour day in the House of Commons isn't that bad,鈥� he joked.

Leef also plans to tackle the Boston Marathon in April for diabetes awareness.

Nathan Cullen, NDP MP for northwestern BC, ran the half marathon Sunday to raise funds for the Victoria Women's Transition House, a charity offering emergency shelter and support to women and children who have suffered abuse.

Cullen finished 382nd overall with a time of 1:38:20.

"I think it's good when MP's use their personal interests and their talents to raise awareness and funds for good causes,鈥� Leef said.

"For me, that just happens to be running. That's my past and that's what I'm good at, so it's a natural fit for me.鈥�

The mission of the Canadian Diabetes Association is to lead the fight against the disease by helping people with diabetes live healthy lives while a cure is sought.

Following the race, Leef retreated to the Yukon wilderness for a few days to hunt moose.

His trip was unsuccessful, he said before clarifying.

"Any trip I get into the Yukon wilderness is successful, but I didn't get anything, so

I'll be one of the people heading to the grocery store to buy my meat this year,鈥� Leef said.

"Getting out to hunt is another thing that goes back to my roots. It's important for me and important for Yukoners, especially this time of year,鈥� he explained.

Leef said he attempts to get away from the busy political lifestyle each fall.

"I usually try and make sure I sneak out for a few days to get out hunting and remind myself what's so important about the Yukon.鈥�