Yukoner Jack Amos’ and Joe Robertson's journey of 500 kilometres, which began Nov. 15, came to an end on Monday. The duo ran from Port Hardy, B.C. to Mile 0 in Victoria to raise money for the 1Up Victoria Single Parent Resource Centre.

When the pair set out, their goal was to raise $10,000 for 1Up; thanks to all the donators, their goal was shattered and they earned $12,150 for the charity.

"I'm real happy," said Amos. "During this weird time socially, globally it's good to show people that not everything is crap."

Amos and Robertson were inspired to do the run for 1Up because both grew up in single-parent homes.

"Joe and I were raised by single parents," Amos told the Star on Nov. 23. "Joe since childhood and me since I was a teenager and my dad suffered a head injury. We both watched how hard it was for our moms. My mom worked so hard.

"We wanted to find a cause to give back. Joe found 1up Victoria and I thought great. We are working hard for all single parents."

As their journey progressed and gained more attention, Amos said, more and more people began showing their appreciation.

"There were lots of people honking for us, which was lovely," said Amos. "It was really cool seeing how many people the cause has touched.

"We did it to give people a helping hand, for people who are already working so hard."

Amos and Robertson took turns running 12-kilometre legs before switching to support. Accompanying the two runners was a 1983 Dodge camper van named Pippi.

The run did not go smoothly in the beginning; as they were heading into Campbell River, Pippi was involved in an accident.

They were OK and the van seemed relatively unscathed, but it broke down and stopped starting. Luckily, they got it to a mechanic shop.

The trouble with Pippi extended the run; Amos said it was about 10 days of actually running. When he spoke with the Star last, 50 kilometres outside of Nanaimo, Amos said they'd be bringing Pippi in again for some more work.

"Pippi is a beast," said Amos. "I've got a good feeling about this van."

After that, it was clear sailing, mostly for the pair.

"The rest was surprisingly breezy," said Amos. "We got a third runner, a guy Joe, and I went to high school with. Joe had a slight Achilles issue so he had to walk some legs and our friend ran a leg for him.

"He also ran a few legs with me so he kept me company."

Amos said he had some trouble with his foot and attributed that to running on the slanted gravel shoulder of the highway.

"Once I started running on the pavement then I was good," said Amos. "Now, it is just some tight muscles."

Now that the run is over, Amos said, he is enjoying his rest but doesn't plan to stay idle too long.

"It's been a journey," he said. "But holy cow, does it feel good to finish. When you finish big projects like these, people have this huge idea that when you finish it will be happiness and euphoria.

"It's not like that at all; it's like, 'oh, that's done now.'"

One of the projects he plans to work on is a documentary of the journey.

"I'm not sure the length of it yet, I haven't gone through the footage yet," he said. "But I'm guessing it will be about 20-30 minutes, and I plan on submitting it to some film festivals."

Amos said the donation page will remain open until the documentary airs. If people still wish to donate, they can find where to do so on the 1Up website. When you donate, the funds go straight to 1Up.

Upon completion of the 500 kilometres, Amos was full of thanks.

"Thank you to Dawson City – I wouldn't be who I am today without you," he said. "It takes a community to raise a kid. Dawson is not matched anywhere in the world. There was always someone to show me the ropes. I'm psyched to get back when I can.

"Also, a huge thanks to our donators; we obliterated our goal, and a huge thanks to my family and my Victoria family."

1Up Victoria Single Parent Resource Centre is a registered charitable organization that has been committed to serving the varied and changing needs of single-parent families in the Greater Victoria area since 1978.