Meet Mary Byberg, Nellie’s Superstar! She is the current Chair of Nellie’s Fund Development Committee, a former Board Member, and a 2011 winner of Harlequin’s ‘More Than Words’ contest.  A book based on her life will be published by Harlequin next year.

Is this your first race?

No, I ran a 5km race in 1998!  And I walked for Nellie’s several years ago.

Why are you running for Nellie’s?

Nellie’s is an organization with a mission, vision, and people I believe in.  Nellie’s mission is to operate programs and services for women and children who have experienced homelessness, violence, and other oppressions.  Their vision is for a more just world for women and children, and the people are Nellie’s are among the most inspiring, hard working, and dedicated people I’ve ever met.

How long have you been running for?

Not long.  I was a runner years ago, go out of it, and am now trying to get back in to it.

Where is your favourite place to run?

I love the water so I walk and run on a path that runs along Lake Ontario by my house.

What message do you have for the women and children at Nellie’s?

Have courage.  Together we are going to make it better for all of us.

What is you power song?

Well in the heyday of my running I used to listen to Alanis Morrisette’s “You Oughta Know.”  I would probably have a different song now…my life has much less drama.  I love all music so it just has to be something I love listening to that keeps me motivated.

Join Mary this October at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Call 416-461-0769 or e-mail info@nellies.org for details!   If you can’t join us, you can sponsor our team by clicking here.