A local runner is setting out on a chilly marathon today.

Paddy Quiring is running and walking across the country this April in support of Adult and Teen Challenge. As a trial run, Quiring is running a marathon between Carman and Winkler March 13 to raise awareness of those struggling with addiction.

Funds are also being raised for the Winkler Adult and Teen Challenge programming.

paddy running
Chris Derksen, Southern MB Rep for Adult and Teen Challenge explains the cause hits home for Quiring as her husband struggled with an alcohol addiction before passing.

"For people with addictions we know the addiction not only affects them but everyone around them," Derksen says. "So Paddy is doing this to bring awareness to this issue and provide hope."

Quiring welcomes supporters to join her, either along the route or at the start or finish lines. She'll begin the journey at Church of Christ in Carman, at 11:00 a.m. She hopes to wrap up the marathon by 4:45 p.m. at Gaslight Harley-Davidson in Morden.