Run Canada Podcast

In this episode, we're exploring the connection between grief and running. When Marcella Sangregorio was just two years old, her mother, Lisa, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour behind her left eye and given two to five years to live. Remarkably, Lisa lived for another twenty years. Marcella and her father acted as Lisa's primary caregivers until her passing. Moving forward and finding her footing without that part of her life was a challenge. She began by focusing on her own well-being—and in the process, discovered running. She quickly moved from running her first 10 km to running an impressive 70 km at The Dark 24. Last weekend, Marcella carried her mother's ashes on her back from her home in Calgary to Ghost Lake and back – a 100 km trip that both opened doors to personal discovery and closed chapters of negative self-care. With the support of her family and friends, Marcella is learning who she is in this new chapter, discovering that grief is anything but black and white. Follow Marcella @ultramarcella If you are in a position to help support with Marcella's fundraising for Janis Care Services, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/nbfpv8-100km-ultra-carrying-my-mothers-urn --- EPISODE SPONSOR: CALGARY MARATHON Be part of the 2026 energy at Canada's longest running marathon. RUN WALK CHEER VOLUNTEER at the Servus Calgary Marathon Race Weekend – happening May 23 and 24 at Stampede Park. Lace up for any distance from 5k to the full marathon. For more information and to register, visit www.calgarymarathon.com THEME MUSIC: Joseph McDade

Need a little spring sunshine in your day? This is the episode for you. Nat Severino is a Toronto-based runner who grew up loving sport, but like so many, drifted away from it in adulthood. It wasn't until the stillness of the COVID era—through virtual run challenges and a search for calm in the chaos—that Nat found their way back. Now, Nat shows up as their full, authentic self: a proud nonbinary athlete running with the Queer Run Crew and embracing the power of community. Hearing them speak about the belonging they've found—through QRC and the broader Toronto run scene—gives me all the feels. This is why we run together, the moments that create community and inspire us to bring more people along for the ride. Follow Nat @sevstrides ---- EPISODE SPONSOR: BENEVA SPRING RUN OFF The Beneva Spring Run-Off is almost here, taking over beautiful High Park on Saturday, April 4, 2026. Steeped in history and tradition, this race is all about community and kicking off the Canada Running Series season in style. With a focus on family-friendly fitness, participants can choose from 8K, 5K, and Kids Race distances, offered both in-person and virtually. All in-person runners will receive a Columbia souvenir apparel item and a finisher medal, featuring designs inspired by the beauty of High Park. It might not be a walk in the park—but it's the perfect way to say goodbye to winter and welcome spring. Register now and learn more at www.canadarunningseries.com Music by: Joseph McDade

Tanya Desrivières arrived at the start line of her first ultra trail race in a pretty unconventional way. She had always been active outdoors in a variety of sports and is a self-proclaimed Gym Rat. But when the Spartan Ultra she had trained for was first cancelled mid-race due to weather and then shut down the following year by COVID, she decided to channel all that hard work and training into an ultra trail race instead. It was love at first sight. Her drive, competitive nature, and refusal to quit quickly became the foundation for tackling long distances with heart and grit. Last September, she ran her second 100-miler, Ultra-Trail Forillon 100, and shaved an incredible six hours off her previous time, earning her a second-place female finish. Tanya is fantastic, and it feels like she's only just getting started discovering how far she can push herself and where this journey will take her. Follow Tanya @tanya_the_rivers ----- EPISODE SPONSOR: ULTRA TRAIL GASPESIA 100 Welcome to the wild edge of adventure — where mountains meet the sea, and trails stretch for miles through breathtaking wilderness. This is Ultra Trail Gaspesia 100 — an iconic trail running event set in the heart of Gaspésie, Eastern Québec, Canada. Imagine yourself running rugged single-track trails carved through the Percé UNESCO Global Geopark, past towering sea cliffs, deep forests, and panoramic views of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Whether you're tackling the legendary 100-mile ultra challenge, the stunning 110 km route, or celebrating your pace on shorter distances, the spirit of community, grit, and unforgettable scenery is what makes this race truly special. Step into the adventure in Percé, June 19–21! For more information and to register, visit: https://gaspesia.org/en/events/ultra-trail-gaspesia-100/ @gaspesiaraceseries Music by: Joseph McDade

Ceili McCabe has always known she wanted to be a professional athlete. From a young age, her goal was simple: compete at the highest level, no matter the sport. She began in soccer, but after an injury in her teens made it clear that reaching the top of that sport might not be possible, she recalibrated and shifted her focus. That competitive drive—and her love of being part of a team—eventually led her to distance running, where she's built an incredible career in cross country and on the track. Along the way, she's also found the right partners, coaches and teammates to help her reach for amazing goals, including setting a new Canadian women's record in the Steeplechase. Ceili often credits her success to making the right connections and meeting the right people along the way. But it's clear that her relentless drive and commitment to being the best are what have drawn those opportunities to her. By seeking out the right teams, coaches, and partnerships, Ceili has earned several Team Canada spots both at Worlds and the Paris Olympics. Now running professionally with On, Ceili is living out the dream she set for herself in her youth—and if what we've seen so far is any indication, she's just getting started. Follow Ceili @ceilimccabe --- EPISODE SPONSOR: ULTRA TRAIL GASPESIA 100 Welcome to the wild edge of adventure — where mountains meet the sea, and trails stretch for miles through breathtaking wilderness. This is Ultra Trail Gaspesia 100 — an iconic trail running event set in the heart of Gaspésie, Eastern Québec, Canada. Imagine yourself running rugged single-track trails carved through the Percé UNESCO Global Geopark, past towering sea cliffs, deep forests, and panoramic views of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Whether you're tackling the legendary 100-mile ultra challenge, the stunning 110 km route, or celebrating your pace on shorter distances — the spirit of community, grit, and unforgettable scenery is what makes this race truly special. Step into the adventure in Percé, June 19–21! For more information and to register, visit: https://gaspesia.org/en/events/ultra-trail-gaspesia-100/ @gaspesiaraceseries Music by: Joseph McDade