Many locals know Charlotte Dequeker as part of the family run Raphael’s Bakery on Mason Street, which has become a hub of the community since opening in December 2020.
Not everyone knows Dequeker is an elite runner headed to France this week for a grueling 100 mile run to raise money to fight pancreatic cancer.
Dequeker will participate in the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc through France, Italy and Switzerland. The race starts on Aug 26.
Dequeker explained that the race follows the route of the Tour du Mont Blanc and has a total elevation gain of around 32,940 ft. It is widely regarded as one of the most difficult foot races in the world, and one of the largest with more than 2,500 starters.
Since running her first marathon in 2005 Dequeker has never stopped. To date she’s run more than 40 ultramarathons. The Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc will be her tenth 100-mile race.
Dequeker explained that the charity Let’s Win was meaningful to her, as she lost her mother in law Jacotte to pancreatic cancer three years ago. More recently, one of her best friends lost her father Dennis to the same disease.
Outside Raphael’s Bakery this week a group of avid runners including Matthew Yardis, Chris Cavin, Will Keown, Bob DeAngelo and Ric Wellington gathered to wish Dequeker good luck and send her off with a shot of courage.
Then, on the count of three they cheered, ‘Go Charlotte, go’ before sweeping her off her feet for a photo.
