The wind was cold and thin
Out on the highway's edge
A solitary figure
With a solemn pledge
One leg of bone, one leg of steel
A skip and a heavy heel
Brought up in BC and Manitoba
He didn't fail to make us feel

Yeah, the road was long where he once ran
He did the best any human can
Get across the country, that's the plan
That's the spirit of our man

He didn't run for medals
He didn't run for gold
But for the people and their stories
That never will be told
Across the asphalt and the gravel
Through the heat and rain
He carried the nation's weight for twenty-six miles
Then he'd go again

Yeah, the road was long where he once ran
He did the best any human can
Get across the country, that's the plan
That's the spirit of our man

Well, the road was lined with people
Who came out to see him run
But the lungs grew tired and he got weary
Before he was done
On a lonely stretch
Near Thunder Bay
His stride was halted
The body gave way

Yeah, the road was long where he once ran
He did the best any human can
Get across the country, that's the plan
That's the spirit of our man

The finish line was in his mind
Not a city on a map
There was no closing ceremony
Just a roadside clap
He might have had to stop the run
But the fight still carries on
For every heart that followed him
The race was bravely won

Well, the road was long where he once ran
He did the best any human can
Get across the country, that's the plan
That's the spirit of our man

If there ever was a hero
If there ever was a saint
He ran through fire and through pain
Any lesser soul would faint
He said it's a mission greater than himself
And his words are still ringing true
He ran for everybody
And he ran for me and you