A former RCMP investigator, Steven Guérard, is setting out on an extraordinary journey. He plans to run across Canada to raise awareness about climate change. Starting from Sherbrooke City Hall on June 2, 2026, he’ll cover around 40 to 60 kilometers each day—about a marathon and a half. Without a support crew, he’ll carry everything he needs in a backpack.
Guérard’s mission goes beyond words; he believes in taking action. “This message is not about words—it’s about action,” he shared. His project, Environment Beyond Borders, stemmed from a personal realization. After years of working in security and corrections, he felt detached from nature. “I reassessed my path…and realized I was disconnected from nature,” he explained.
This isn’t Guérard’s first attempt. Last year, he ran 1,092 kilometers before pausing in Ontario due to challenges. This time, he’s better prepared, with guidance from a running coach and a more detailed plan. His route favors the Trans-Canada Trail and backroads for safety.
Support for his journey is growing. The Weather Network has partnered with him, and Parks Canada is helping him access campsites along his route. He’s seeking sponsors for accommodations where camping isn’t possible.
Guérard’s companion for the first day, Lucie Battaglia, highlights a key part of his journey: direct experience with climate change. “He’s going to be directly exposing himself to the conditions right in nature,” she said. She also emphasized the growing intensity of weather patterns he might face—like heat waves and storms.
In a powerful act of commitment, Guérard began this year with a 24-hour outdoor spinning challenge in -26°C. He calls it a symbol of the sacrifices needed to combat climate change. “The environment has no cost, and we need to adopt the same mentality when it comes to climate change,” he remarked.
His journey isn’t just about running; it’s a foundation for a future nonprofit he envisions—an environmental intervention brigade. This initiative aims to mobilize communities for direct action against climate issues.
As Guérard prepares to take his first steps, people are already buzzing about his mission on social media. Many are expressing support and admiration, seeing him as a beacon of hope in the fight against climate change.
For more information on his project, visit Environment Beyond Borders.
This is a pivotal moment not only for Guérard but for all of us to reflect on how we can contribute to environmental action.
