athletics ontario running podcast by John Shep

Meet Selene Mallone, the record-breaking ultra runner taking the Canadian scene by storm. Fresh off a course record at the Arizona Monster 300 and a win at the 2025 Divide 200, Selene discusses her ambitious "Project Double Double": tackling the Ribbon 200 and SOO 200 on this episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast.

In this high-energy episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we dive into Ontario's best-named crew: The River Rats Run Club! Founder Sarah Hubbell joins us to reveal how Cambridge flipped a cheeky reputation into a thriving, unstoppable community.

Step into the shoes of Ryan Garcia, a North Bay chiropractor who turned a childhood battle with leukemia into a relentless drive for the marathon finish line. This is a deep dive into the raw grit required to overcome the ultimate stakes and the community spirit fueling the Northern Ontario running scene.

Ever wonder what happens when a runner decides to make fitness fun for the whole family? Meet Lily Wu, the visionary behind Dino Run, an Ontario racing series where kids trade boring laps for immersive dinosaur chases and interactive medals.

Running is often pictured as a solitary pursuit—just one person, their shoes, and the open road. But Steven Bierbrier is here to flip that narrative on its head. In this episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we explore Steven's evolution from a solo athlete to a central figure in the Ottawa fitness scene as the founder of the Arboretum Hill Club. Since 2018, Steven has been rallying a community built on the pillars of radical accessibility and a start time so specific it's impossible to forget.

Fifteen years ago, Brian Beckstead and his co-founders ignited a footwear revolution by proving that standard shoes were working against the human body. By engineering the game-changing zero-drop platform and signature wide toe box, they returned running to its natural roots and launched the global powerhouse known as Altra.

In this episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we're joined by Sasha Wolff, the powerhouse founder of the non-profit Still I Run. Sasha's journey didn't start at a starting line; it started in a hospital bed in 2011 during a battle with clinical depression. It was there she discovered that while therapy and medication were vital, movement was the missing piece of her recovery puzzle. This realization eventually transformed from a personal lifeline into Still I Run, a non-profit organization dedicated to the intersection of mental health and distance running.

What fuels the miles when the finish line is only half the story? This week on the AO Running Podcast, we're joined by Jessica Halsall - mom of two, Badass Lady Gang lead, and member of Otto's Ottawa Power Crew - to discuss her Tamarack Homes Ottawa International Marathon journey. A runner and fitness instructor, she is turning her strides at Ottawa Race Weekend into support for the CHEO Neonatal Intensive Care Unit via the Desjardins Charity Challenge.

In this episode, we dive into Andrew Tsang's massive undertaking: a 260+ KM relay journey from Toronto to Muskoka in support of Campfire Circle. This incredible organization provides life-changing camp experiences for children impacted by cancer, offering them a chance to heal through play and joy—even while receiving treatment on-site.

In this episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we sit down with Julian Compton, endurance athlete and founder of Move for Change. Julian explains how he uses physical fitness as a powerful vehicle for social advocacy and youth empowerment.

What happens when you trade a tennis racket in Peru for the grueling Canadian ultramarathon circuit? In this episode, we sit down with Sergio Raez Villanueva, an elite long-distance runner whose "gutsy" racing style recently took him all the way to India to represent Canada at the 50K World Championships. Sergio opens up about his profound transition from a Peruvian immigrant to a national-level athlete, revealing how he used running as a meditative lifeline to navigate the hurdles of a new life.

How do you turn grief into a movement? This episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast features Neil McKay, founder of Persistence Racing, marking five years of resilience in London, Ontario. We explore the launch of Fox Stride, a unique "double dash" track event, and the deeply personal motivation behind Neil's mission.

Find out about one of Canada's most promising distance runners! This week on the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we're joined by Jadyn Keeler, the University of North Dakota standout and Canadian Track and Field League (CTFL) athlete currently shattering records in the 5,000m and 10,000m.

What is the future of Canadian athletics? The Canadian Track and Field League (CTFL) is rewriting the script. In this episode, we're joined by Erin Teschuk, Sam Kenahan, Matthew Lozano, and Saed Griffith to discuss how a unique team-based structure is building a sustainable home for track and field talent in Canada.

For International Women's Day, we're burning the "shrink it and pink it" playbook. This week on the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, Lindsay Housman, Founder and CEO of Hettas, joins us to explain why your running shoes have a gender problem.

"We didn't just want a run club; we wanted a support system for Scarborough."

In this episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we sit down with Judith Kasiama, the visionary founder of Colour the Trails. Based in British Columbia, Judith uses her background in gender studies to bridge the representation gap for BIPOC individuals in adventure media, becoming one of the most influential voices in the outdoor industry.

What happens when you trade a destructive chase for a 100-mile journey?

What does it take to run across the second-largest country on earth?

How do you transition from a casual runner to a professional powerhouse? This week, we sit down with elite Canadian ultrarunner Jazmine Lowther to discuss her rapid ascent in the trail world and the philosophy that keeps her moving.

What happens when the universe rewards a leap of faith? In this episode, we sit down with Scott Devenport, whose journey from quitting smoking to conquering 200-mile peaks is a testament to the transformative power of the trails. Scott doesn't just run; he lives it—maintaining a legendary "run streak" of at least 5km every single day.

"It's not about how fast you're going; it's about who you're moving with."

What does it actually mean to be "unstoppable"? According to elite runner and coach Dr. Sasha Gollish, it isn't about never failing—it's about having the mental toolkit to keep moving forward.

New Year, new parenting goals? You're not alone. This week on the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, our host John Shep kicks off the episode by sharing his own resolution to become a more self-aware parent—setting the stage for a deep dive with renowned expert Jennifer Kolari, founder of Connected Parenting.

Are you ready to test your limits right here in Ontario? Prepare for the ultimate test of endurance! We are joined by Race Director Eric D'Arcy of Crazy Cat Adventures to unveil The Ribbon 200—a grueling new ultra-challenge launching in June 2026. This isn't just a race; it is a wilderness odyssey featuring Ontario's only point-to-point 100-miler and a massive 200-mile out-and-back beast.

"Gratitude is what drives me."

What happens when a casual 10K bet among friends turns into a complete lifestyle overhaul? On this episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, host John Shep sits down with Andrew Kim from Runners' Choice Waterloo to trace his incredible journey.

What does it take to turn a lifetime of running into a thriving business?

"I stopped trying to prove them wrong, and started trying to prove myself right."

Join us for an inspiring conversation on this week's episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast with Tara Logue, leader of the Run905 crew in Newmarket!

In this powerful episode, we interview Jessica Nguyen, founder of the Girls Just Wanna Run Club in Newmarket, about building community and protecting your peace.

Lace up for an inspiring episode with Samir Mourani, the first Canadian Ambassador for Movember!

Meet Sean Sharp and Kathy Webber, the heart behind N89 Trail Running!

Get ready for an episode that's all heart, hustle, and pavement!

Ready to hear about Migz Pink's journey to becoming a running icon?

This week on the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, meet adaptive athlete Mike Greer! Mike shares his powerful journey in wheelchair racing, from his first 5K to conquering marathons like the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon.

The world of running isn't just about PRs and miles—it's about connection. Join us on the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast for an electrifying conversation with Lauren Mantha, the former nurse who traded her scrubs for running shoes and ignited a movement with "A Running List." What started in 2023 as a single charity challenge didn't just transform her body; it reshaped her life. Lauren dives into the unexpected social power she found in local run clubs, calling the experience nothing short of transformative.

This episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast features a special guest from the heart of the city of Toronto: Joe Francisco (@joooe.francisco). Joe sits down with us to share his incredible journey toward a 3:10 marathon at the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, an endeavor that is teaching him the true meaning of strength and self-confidence. He also reflects on his homecoming to the Toronto running scene, a community he describes as having "pure Toronto energy." Tune in to hear how being a part of this community team has allowed him to share his personal journey and connect with other runners through Search for Strides.

Join us for a powerful conversation with Christine Marinho, an endurance athlete whose journey proves that running can be more than just a workout—it can be a path to healing.

This week on the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we sit down with Meher Pavri, London, Ontario native and the Parsi-Canadian soprano who's conquering both the stage and the road.

You'll want to lace up for this one! In this episode of the Athletics Ontario podcast, we sit down with elite marathoner Ben Preisner to unpack his remarkable journey from an athlete in Milton, Ontario, to a national and international competitor.

From accidental runner to ultrarunner and literary maven, Riley van der Linden is a force of nature. Find out how a move to a new city sparked a passion that led to a jaw-dropping 1000-day run streak and a new perspective on life. We dive into the world of Toronto's vibrant running communities, the secrets behind her popular @runtobooks Instagram account, and the one piece of advice they have for anyone starting their running journey.

This week, we're joined by local running legend, Harvey Steinhoff, and he's not holding anything back! We're celebrating a milestone as we go inside the incredible second-anniversary story of the Shores of Erie run club—from a simple idea to a thriving community.

On this episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we sit down with Burlington firefighter, mental health advocate, and runner Ryan Gallagher. Ryan shares the deeply personal story behind his mission to run 21 half-marathons in 21 days to raise funds for Pathstone Mental Health in September 2025. He opens up about how he's navigated his own mental health and sobriety journeys following the loss of his father and a decade of firefighting, and how he found healing through therapy and running. Join us as Ryan inspires listeners to prioritize their mental health and seek the help they need.

From July 21st to 25th, 2025, the inaugural SOO 200 made its mark on the ultra running world, bringing a gritty, breathtaking 200-mile challenge to Sault Ste. Marie, thanks to the team at Sinister Sports. Among the brave twenty runners to take it on? AO Running Podcast host and 2025-2026 AO Running Ambassador John Shep, who didn't just run the race, but lived the full experience of it. Join us on this week's episode to find out all about his adventure, with guest host Ben Kaplan of iRun Magazine!

Join us on the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast as we dive into the world of running with Dekel Chui, one of the 2025-2026 AO Running Ambassadors! Based in Toronto, Dekel embodies the spirit of "running for joy," sharing his journey of rediscovering the sport and finding profound happiness in every stride. We'll explore his incredible feats, including being part of a team that holds two Guinness World Records for the Fastest Marathon and Fastest Half-marathon in a Five-Person Costume (dressed as a Streetcar!).

Get ready to hit the trails and be inspired! This episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast features the incredible Danni Dickinson, a dynamic runner who's not just hitting the pavement but making a real community impact!

Join us on the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast as we chat with Eniola 'Eni' Busari, an inspiring Athletics Ontario Running ambassador who discovered his passion for the sport during the pandemic five years ago. For Eni, running is more than just exercise; it's a spiritual journey that has brought him immense joy and deep camaraderie.

Join us on the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast as we chat with Keri Wong, an incredible Athletics Ontario Running Ambassador! For Keri, running means so much more than just miles – it's a journey that transformed her into the social and consistent athlete she is today.

From far and wide - oh Canada! In this episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we're thrilled to chat with AO Running Ambassador Mark Jobst. Join us as Mark, a true pillar of the Northern Ontario running community, takes us on a journey through the joys of hitting the roads and trails in the Soo. Discover what makes Sault Ste. Marie a unique destination for runners of all levels, from its scenic routes like the Hub Trail to exciting events like the Salty Marie Trails Fest.

Get ready to be inspired on this episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast as we dive into the incredible journey of Nadya Stewart! Hailing from Barrie, Ontario, Nadya isn't just a dedicated runner — she's a passionate Athletics Ontario Running Ambassador for 2025-2026, championing a vision of running that's welcoming, fun, and accessible to everyone.

Join us for an uplifting episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast as we sit down with Deanna Kelly, a passionate runner and official Athletics Ontario Running Ambassador! Deanna shares her unique journey and insights into the running world.

Ever wonder what sparks a movement? In this electric episode, we're catching up with Aristotle Domingo, Erin Doucette, Michelle Leduc and Denoja Uthayakumar - our new Athletics Ontario Running Ambassadors! These aren't just runners; they're the heart of Ontario's road and trail community, fueling its growth with pure passion. Join us as we uncover the drive behind their ambassadorship and how they're igniting a vibrant running culture across the province. From conquering challenges to shaping the future of running, get ready to be inspired and motivated to hit your own stride. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just lacing up, this conversation will leave you energized and ready for the road ahead!

Lace up and tune in to a compelling conversation on the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast! We're thrilled to sit down with the inspiring Bernard Abarquez (@everydayfit.bernard), a true advocate for the community aspect of running. Bernard shares his unique insights into the flourishing "run crew culture" – what it means, why it matters, and how these groups are shaping the running landscape.

This week on the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, get ready for inspiration and grit! We're diving into the 2025 Sulphur Springs Trail Race, highlighting the ÜNDA Movement team's incredible 100-Mile Relay journey. This is a story of endurance, camaraderie, and the wild's undeniable allure!

What happens when passion meets inclusivity in the world of fitness? We find out in this captivating interview with Helen Stoumbos and Mike F. Jean, the passionate individuals dedicated to The Good Games (June 27-29 in Guelph, Ontario). Learn about their unique approach to athletic competition, which includes exciting events like adaptive CrossFit, wheelchair strongman, seated volleyball, and of course, 5k and 10k Trail Runs. Hear about the incredible athletes they champion and the powerful sense of community they've built. Ready to be moved and motivated by the stories behind these inclusive sporting events? Tune in to hear Helen and Mike's story and explore the festival of sport that is The Good Games on this week's episode.

Discover the thrill of the Summit 700 Trail Runs at Ontario's beautiful Blue Mountain Resort on this week's episode! Join us for a conversation with Race Director Bob Miller, a seasoned endurance expert with over 20 years of experience in everything from international adventure races to designing challenging courses across Ontario. Bob also shares his insights into the unique demands of the Summit 700, featuring a significant climbs up the Niagara Escarpment and varied terrain. Learn about the race options, from the accessible 5K to the challenging 50K Ultra and the new 50K Ultra Relay.

Can your running shoes actually make you a better parent? And can the daily adventures of parenthood boost your running? This week, the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast welcomes parenting guru Alyson Schafer to explore the fascinating connection between running and raising a family. We tackle the big questions: How can families seamlessly plan for runs and fitness without the drama? What's the secret to conquering "mom guilt" and having open conversations with your kids about your running? Alyson shares her expert perspectives and practical strategies in this insightful episode you won't want to miss.

Find out all about Charlie at: https://www.instagram.com/nuts.running

Bridget Keroglidis shares her inspiring running journey on the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast. Learn how she runs for her mental and physical well-being, her community, and as a role model for her children. This episode includes her exciting 2025 running goals and projects, including her role as a Georgina Spring Fling ambassador.

Lace up your shoes and join Marvin Mendoza on a journey that celebrates the power of running and community in the heart of Durham Region. Marvin, a passionate runner and local advocate, shares his insights, experiences, and the stories that fuel his love for the Running Waters run club with the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or just starting out, you'll find inspiration and practical advice to elevate your running journey. Explore the scenic trails of Durham, discover the supportive community of Running Waters, and learn how to overcome challenges and embrace the joy of running.

Hold onto your headphones, folks! This week, the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast is about to get a whole lot more fun and thought-provoking! We're thrilled to welcome the dynamic hosts of the Crossing Lines Podcast, the voices shaking up the trail running scene with their seriously funny and deeply insightful conversations on community, inclusivity, and everything that truly matters. Join host John Shep as he unearths their unique perspectives on the power of running tribes (we see you, Parkdale Road Runners!), the joy of celebrating every victory, and the crucial work of breaking down barriers in our sport.

This week, the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast brings you a truly remarkable story. We sit down with Mardi Michels, a Canada Running Series Ambassador for the 2025 Spring Run Off, a brain tumour survivor, an educator and cookbook author with a love for French food. Mardi's journey is one of strength, determination, and a deep love for running and culinary creativity. We discuss her personal challenges, her passion for the sport, her commitment to inspiring others, and her delicious adventures in the kitchen. Prepare to be moved by Mardi's incredible story.

Join us on this week's episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast as we chat with Anoke Dunston (@ahh.noke), a runner and community advocate. We discuss his passion for running, his work with Ubuntu and the "Fewer Roads" program, and his dedication to creating inclusive outdoor spaces for BIPOC communities. Learn how he's making a massive difference in the Ontario running scene and beyond. Follow along as he embarks on a journey with Escape To South Africa and the Two Oceans Ultramarathon, happening now!!!

Join the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast for an inspiring episode with Benet Avery, where we explore running, eating disorder recovery, and female empowerment. Benet shares her powerful journey, discussing healthy relationships with food, body image in athletics, and the importance of female representation in the running community. Discover how her adventures (including The Speed Project and Run2Montreal) are a tool for physical and mental well-being, and learn her about fostering supportive clothing for women in sport with Road Rocket Athletics. Tune in for an honest conversation about resilience and strength, perfect for runners and anyone seeking motivation.

Join us for a truly inspiring conversation with Gunjan Marwah Nichani, Canada Running Series Ambassador, as she shares her incredible journey through #momlife, post-partum running, and the joys and challenges of running during pregnancy. We'll delve into how she balances the demands of having a new baby with her passion for running and We Run the North run club, and how she's redefining what it means to be a strong, resilient mother and athlete. Get ready for an honest and uplifting discussion that will motivate you to embrace your own personal journey, wherever it may lead.

Adventure personified! Ray Zahab's story is one of pure inspiration. On this week's Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, he opens up about his incredible journey from unhealthy habits to conquering some of the planet's most challenging landscapes. Ray also shares his passion for empowering youth through free outdoor expeditions with impossible2possible, fostering resilience and a love for the planet. From battling cancer to running ultra-marathons across deserts, Ray's passion and determination are truly remarkable. Join us for a conversation you won't forget.

Get ready to have your perspective on running completely flipped! The Athletics Ontario Running Podcast welcomes the one and only Quinton Jacobs to the show. Quinton isn't just a runner; he's a visionary, pushing the boundaries of what running can be. He's challenging us to rethink the sport, to see it as more than just exercise, but as a powerful tool for community, connection, and change. Join us for a conversation that will inspire you to lace up your shoes and see running in a whole new light.

Denoja Uthayakumar's story is one of resilience and inspiration. After overcoming significant challenges in her youth, she's found strength and purpose in running, creating a safe space for herself and others. Running is for everybody, and Denoja is dedicated to amplifying the voices of her community and promoting inclusivity in the sport. This podcast explores her journey of using running as a platform for representation and inclusivity. Tune in to hear Uthayakumar share her story, her commitment to making running accessible to everyone, and her message of self-acceptance!

Got nutrition questions? Get answers! Join Registered Dietitian and elite marathoner Rachel Hannah as she tackles the most frequently asked questions about fueling for running performance. This episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast covers everything from optimizing your diet for speed and endurance to navigating popular trends like the keto diet, intermittent fasting, and using fats as fuel. Learn practical nutrition tips and tricks specifically designed for runners, including advice for women and aging athletes, to help you stay healthy, happy, and fast throughout your running journey. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned marathoner, this podcast has the nutrition guidance you need to reach your goals.

Juggling #momlife, running, coaching, and a chiropractic practice?  Dr. Brittany Moran shares her secrets to returning to running and sport after pregnancy on this week's Athletics Ontario Running Podcast with host John Shep.  Learn about her postpartum recovery journey, the therapy and strengthening exercises she uses to stay healthy and injury-free, and how she balances it all.  A must-listen for new moms, runners, and anyone interested in women's health and athletic performance.

We told you he would be back! Recapping his running journey in Part One (check out last week's episode), this week, Leo Vitelli puts his personal trainer and run coach hats on to answer pressing questions for anyone engaging in running and fitness goals in 2025. From 5k to the ultramararthon distance (he and host John Shep are both training for Sinister Sports' SOO 200-mile ultramarathon in 2025!), this conversation is for you. Struggling to stay motivated in January? John and Leo will laugh with you back to your "why" in this episode.

Every runner has a unique journey to lacing up their shoes - Leo Vitelli certainly fits that bill. From living out of his car and suffering from severe mental health challenges to embracing life, adventure, fitness and running, leading him to successfully complete the 2024 Divide 200-mile race, the former professional gamer (we said he was unique!) shares the insights and learnings from his journey along the way. Host John Shep had so much fun, they are going to do a Part Two next week, all about Leo Vitelli coaching happy and healthy runners - stay tuned!

Coaches change lives. Allison Forsyth of Generation Safe joins John Shep on the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast to discuss how coaches can positively influence change and build community in their athletes and teams, from the everyday to high performance. Her passion and charisma for coaching speak volumes as we dive into how to keep coaches and athletes safe in sport.

Brendan Carpenter started his running journey by losing 160lbs and ever since, has been an inspiration to runners of all bodies. Today, he is a run coach and run club lead, bringing that joy of running to others. He joins us on this week's episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast to spread the new year's enthusiasm and joy for running!

Our first Athletics Ontario Running Podcast episode of 2025 is a great one with Marathon2Sobriety and Sober Striders Run Club founder Luc Zoratto, who is an avid runner and alcohol-free life coach. His journey is an inspiring one and this conversation is full of honesty, community, and love of life and running. For any runner who drinks, doesn't drink or who is sober curious, this conversation is for you. Welcome to 2025!

We wrap up our gift giving season with a gift that you can give yourself: race registrations! Sinister Sports is starting a 200 Mile Race in Ontario for 2025: the SOO 200. They are bringing their 15 year racing expertise to a wonderful part of our province - and our host John Shep speaks to Kirsti Dolson and Kevin Duriaux of the Sinister Sports team about whether he should spend his holiday pennies on the adventure!

Snowshoes are not scary! We start to wrap up (see the pun there!) our gift giving season with Derrick Spafford of Spafford Health and Adventure and the Dion Snowshoe Racing Series. He gives host John Shep recommendations for snowshoes, trail running gear and headlamps, along with sharing his trail and running adventures (including running along the Yukon Territory) on this week's episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast.

What is a Backyard Ultra? We get the explanation on this week's episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast from a panel of experts: Stephen Parker, author of There is No Finish: The Backyard Ultra Story, Persistence Racing's Neil McKay and 2024 Backyard Ultra World Championship competitor Justin Wright! Listen to stories about this amazing oddity of a running event, including the appearance of anti-cheerleaders, completing laps while wearing a tutu and the event where all runners received a DNF!

BlackToe Running is a fixture in the Ontario and Toronto running communities. Mike Anderson is a Co-founder of BlackToe Running Inc. and the BlackToe Holiday 10k. We get his insights on great gifts for runners (and for our host John Shep, specifically!), along with this weekend's BlackToe Holiday 10k, a great event supporting great runners and a great cause: Centre 55 Toronto.

Atiqa Mohammad is part of the Movember Canada team in the role of Program Manager, Personalised Cancer Care. She always does Move for Movember and this year is running 100km throughout the month. Host John Shep speaks with Atiqa about why men's mental and physical health is not just a problem for men. How can all genders support Movember throughout the year?

Tyler Shaw is a Canadian musician taking on the 60km Movember running challenge to raise awareness for men's Mental Health. A self-professed newbie runner, Tyler speaks with host John Shep about how he'll accomplish this challenge amidst fatherhood and a busy Christmas music tour! Mental Health matters, so Tyler is up for the challenge.

Men talking about their feelings, talking about mental health, talking about running - men talking about Movember! In collaboration with Movember Canada, Kalil Magtoto joins host John Shep on this week's episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast. This is Kalil's story about the power of running to promote connection between athletes, connection with our own feelings, and connection with the greater good: supporting Movember Canada to raise awareness and funds for mental health with the Run to MTL.

Justin Wright competed in the 2024 Backyard Ultra World Championships, facing off against countries all across the world. He joins us on this episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast to detail his unlikely journey to running 240 miles in Moab and running the same loop for nearly 2 days (over and over and over and over!).

Rachel Hannah was the third fastest Canadian woman at the 2024 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon. The Elite Marathoner, Registered Dietitian and Sport Nutritionist shares her ten year journey through highs, lows with RED-S, stumbles and incredible learnings on this week's episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast.

35 years of the Toronto Waterfront Marathon and we are joined by Virginia Lee, who is the only woman to have run every Toronto Waterfront Marathon, including this past weekend! Virginia speaks on this week's episode of the AO Running Podcast, spreading her enthusiasm and inspiration for representation of women and asian women specifically in the running community. This year she is running for a cause for the first time through the TCS Charity Challenge, fundraising for Princess Margaret Hospital in honour of her late father who was treated there.

TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon celebrates its 35th anniversary this year - only 15 years shy of The 519, Canada's largest LGBTQAI+ community centre, which is about to celebrate its 50th anniversary! On this week's edition of the AO Running Podcast, we meet Tom Spence, the Vice-Chair on the Board of Directors for the 519, who will be running his first half marathon at this weekend's TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, after using running to find his community when he was new to the city. He even proposed to his husband at the end of the 2017 Pride Remembrance Run! He will be running to support the 519 through the TCS Charity Challenge. Making safe spaces throughout the city is the 519's goal, and carving their way through the running community is no different.

It's the most wonderful time of the year: TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon time! We at the AO Running Podcast are celebrating all things TWM with a series of interviews leading into and following the event. For our first conversation, host John Shep meets Marcus Smith and his mom Alicia Smith, Executive Director from Dyslexia Canada, who will be participating in the half marathon this year to raise funds through the TCS Charity Challenge for the Dyslexia Canada. Both Alicia and Marcus have Dyslexia, and Alicia has made incredible impacts in her short few years with the organization, including speaking with the Ontario Human Rights Commission, changing the Ontario school curriculum, and ensuring that for the first year ever, all students in Ontario will be screened for a reading disability.

The Ontario Triple Crown of 100s: Sulphur Springs Trail Race, Tally in the Valley by Happy Trails Racing, Haliburton Forest 100. These are Ontario, Canada's three 100 milers and our host, John Shep, speaks to fellow Ontario Triple Crown finisher (and reigning champion!) Trevor Dale about taking on the challenge to complete them all in one calendar year. Who will take on the challenge in 2025?!?!?

The Bruce Trail has an aura unmatched in Ontario running. On this week's episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we bring on the expert, Nicola Ross, author of 40 Days, 40 Hikes, to give us the goods about the magic of the Bruce Trail and why sandals are her perfect hiking shoe!

CBC TV Personality David Carroll gives us one of the funniest and most engaging conversations ever on the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast. Starting with his book Ultra, host John Shep and the ultrarunning author David reflect on the universal magic of good people and the lasting connections we make on the roads and trails.

Terry Fox is a Canadian Icon. His Marathon of Hope has inspiried millions and raised millions more for cancer research. Barbara Adhiya is shining a new light on the Terry Fox story with her book Hope by Terry Fox, comprised of interviews and Terry Fox's own journals. We dive into some of those stories in this week's episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast.

It is back to school season and what better way to celebrate than with books! It is the 10th anniversary of Girl Runner, a fantastic story about the 1928 Canadian Olympic team. Host John Shep is joined by author Carrie Snyder to explore the history of female empowerment in running and how the book's Olympic dreams speak to runners of all abilities.

Returning guest Molly Hurford took on the Leadville 100 Trail Race this August - and it did not go as planned! Listen to see how it turned out, how she still maintains a positive attitude through the clouds and silver linings and everything she learned in the process. Host John Shep and Molly talk about all the feelings that athletes have when they cannot exercise and how to navigate through those dark thoughts. Let the redemption arc begin!

The Scarborough 5K is the epitome of a community race that is for the community, by the community. And as a result, it reflects the community. Learn from Melanie Murzeau of Black Runners of the GTA about how the 2024 edition of the Scarborough 5K brings the identity, the inclusion, the community, and of course, the fun vibes galore!!

Steve Fleck, endurance sport guru, joins the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast to give a state of the union about the worlds of athletics and running. We dive into the stories from throughout 2024, including a great Olympic Games for Canada in Paris, and what the running world has in store for 2025 and beyond.

Keegan Gaunt is taking her talents to Paris! Ahead of the Paris Paralympics this month, the Canadian Record Holder in the 1500m joins the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast to share her journey from Thunder Bay to the University of Guelph to Victoria, BC, to become a consummate Team Canada Athlete! She has defeated injuries, stress fractures and disordered eating, and now she's ready to take on the competition in Paris 2024.

New name, same great quality guests! The now AO Running Podcast is proud to welcome Paris 2024 Canadian marathoner Malindi Elmore to the show. Paris 2024 Olympics will close out with Malindi competing in the women's marathon - who will she inspire with her 2024 performance? Because we know she has inspired us all the way to get here. Listen and cheer her on as she races on August 11 at Paris 2024. We also get a visit from Ben Kaplan of iRun Magazine to get amped up about their Women's Marathon Watch Party and 2024 Athletic Brewing Contest for the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon!

Rory Linkletter has had a banner 2024 so far: a half marathon personal best of 1:01:02 at the Houston Half Marathon in January, followed by a personal best of 2:08:01 at the Seville Marathon in February that helped him qualify for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. He is the second fastest Canadian male of all time over the marathon distance, but he is much more that his performances. On this week's episode of the Trillium Running Podcast, Rory and host John Shep chat about his hopes and dreams for the Paris 2024 Olympics along with all the other things (coffee, kids, tattoos!!) that make Rory an amazing and interesting athlete.

First time ever! That is the Mixed Race Walker Olympic Event and Canada is sending Olivia Lundman and returning guest Evan Dunfee to compete at Paris 2024! This week on the Trillium Running Podcast, they join host John Shep to chat about respecting the process and what it means to have a powerful team dynamic - and how these two things brought them together in this brand-new Olympic event!