Lloydminster hero, Jarrod Russell, who has turned a lifelong health battle into a record-breaking mission to fight childhood cancer has been named the Parade Marshal for the 2026 Lloyd Ex Parade.
​The Lloydminster resident whose resilience has inspired thousands across the country, with years of cycling and fundraising for the Great Cycle Challenge will lead the annual celebration this July, which heralds the opening of the Lloyd Ex Fair, July 8-11.
A lifelong battle becomes a mission
​Jarrod was diagnosed with a brain tumour at just four years old, undergoing surgeries, radiation, and extended hospital stays. Now 50, he continues to live with lasting effects, including partial paralysis and balance challenges.
Despite those obstacles, Jarrod has spent more than a decade fundraising for kids’ cancer, riding his recumbent bike thousands of kilometres and raising over $300,000. He is currently the top all-time fundraiser in Canada for the Great Cycle Challenge.
The community is invited to celebrate Jarrod’s journey at the Lloyd Ex Parade on July 8th, which gets underway at 10:00 a.m. from the Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition grounds.
Organizers say it’s an opportunity to recognize a local resident whose determination continues to inspire both locally and beyond.
​Breaking records on three wheels
​Jarrod takes to the pavement on a specialized recumbent bike because of his balance challenges. Over the past decade, his riding resume reads:
- Ridden a staggering 12,284 kilometres
- ​Raised $304,628.90 for sick kids
- ​Secured the title of number one all-time fundraiser in Canada
- ​Become the number three fundraiser ever in the global history of the Great Cycle Challenge
Cycle challenge continues
For this year’s Great Cycle Challenge in August, Jarrod has set his sights even higher, aiming to ride 1,200 kilometres and raise another $50,000.
Catch the 2026 Lloyd Ex Parade
The community is invited to come out, wave, and cheer on Jarrod as he takes his well-deserved place at the front of this year’s procession. It is a celebration of strength, community spirit, and a local making a global difference.
​Event Details:
- ​Date: Wednesday, July 8th, 2026
- ​Time: 10:00 a.m.
- ​Departure Location: Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition Association
​To view the official parade route and find more information on all the upcoming fair fun, visit the official website at www.lloydex.com.
The Lloyd Ex Fair runs July 8-11 with Canadian music icons Toque headlining the live music on July 11.
