‘It’s giving back to kids,’ Calgary pilot attempts to break Guinness World Record

A Guinness world record is about to be broken in Calgary by an Air Canada pilot.

As a member of Dreams Take Flight and a pilot for their flights, John Bird is super-sizing his volunteer efforts by attempting to run Calgary’s half-marathon while wearing his pilot uniform and pulling his luggage.

“I thought it was a neat way of taking my personal talent of running and applying it to something that benefits Dreams Take Flight,” says Bird. “It works well with what I do in my personal career.”

This fundraising effort for Dreams Take Flight is a labour of love for Bird, the organization sends kids with physical, social and emotional challenges on a one-day trip of a lifetime.

Bird is no stranger to running, recently competing in the Boston Marathon in addition to the over 20 others in his career. Even as a runner, he admits it’s the mission of the charity that keeps him motivated.

“I know it’s giving back to kids, and I know how hard they have things now a days,” he says. “I mean these organizations themselves provide a trip of a lifetime for these young kids, it’s a great way for me to zone in and give back while I’m out there running.”

It’s a challenge that also includes running with two-wheeled partner.

“I’ve got a pretty solid bag here, upgraded wheels and hopefully it holds its way through 21 kilometres like my feet do,” says Bird.

Kirsten-Ellen Fleming is the organizer with the Calgary Marathon who says she has previously seen record breaking attempts at the event by individuals like Bird who are driven by a charity’s need.

“It’s a great way and a great tool for them to stand out,” says Fleming.

People can witness Bird’s attempt, hat and all, May 25 at the Calgary Marathon. They can also support his fundraising efforts through Dreams Take Flight.