Run Canada Podcast

Kirsten Parker
  • 4.9 (30)
  • RUNNING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Run Canada Podcast celebrates runners from all walks of life and the community we create within this fantastic sport. Hosted by Kirsten Parker, this show is the perfect partner to get you inspired and laughing and best of all, it gets you out running this beautiful country we call home.

  1. Ali McPherson

    1D AGO

    Ali McPherson

    Ali McPherson was born with running in her blood. What started as childhood bike rides alongside her mother during long training runs has grown into a remarkable career on both the trails and the roads. In 2025, she claimed first female at both the Sinister 7 Ultra 50K and the UTMB Challenge 50K in Fin del Mundo. On the road racing side, she won the Manitoba Half Marathon and returned to the Boston Marathon start line with her mother for the second time, running a new personal best along the way. When Ali isn't chasing her own goals, she's helping other athletes pursue theirs. She's the founder of Rhythm Run Coaching and Dig Deep — a customizable carbohydrate fuel company with impressive sustainability features. Warm, upbeat, and incredibly generous, Ali shares plenty of great advice for winter running in this conversation. You're also going to hear my hot take on trail mix… Follow Ali @ali.mcpher Rhythm Run Coaching @rhythmruncoaching Dig Deep @digdeepef   --- EPISODE SPONSOR: ALTITUDE SPORTS [This collaboration is part of an advertising campaign led by the Podpass agency for Altitude Sports] Shop now at Altitude Sports and enjoy up to 20% off your first order with the promo code "runcanada2026"  Click here to order 👉https://bit.ly/altitude-runcanada2026 You need to create an account or sign in to access the discount. Valid on items at regular price only. Valid for a limited time only after sign up. Cannot be combined with any other discount code and/or promotion. Limited to one use per customer. Membership discount is not applicable on this offer. --- Music by: Joseph McDade

    55 min
  2. Michael Betteridge

    MAY 2

    Michael Betteridge

    Michael Betteridge is the kind of person who doesn't just show up for his community—he helps build it. In Regina, he's become a driving force in creating spaces where queer people and allies can be active, feel welcome, and show up exactly as they are. That vision comes to life through Queer Fit Club: a free, community-driven fitness pop-up built on collaboration and connection. Spend a little time with Michael, and a few things quickly become clear. He loves his mom—who, by all accounts, sounds truly incredible. He also loves, as Amy Poehler likes to say, to talk well about his friends behind their backs. So it's only fair that I return the favour. Michael is an intentionally caring person who uses his skills to take up space and give voice to the queer community: lifting people up and making spaces stronger and more inclusive. What started as a thoughtfully crafted idea has grown into a movement, with over 700 members and chapters in both Regina and Winnipeg. And he's nowhere near done. Whatever comes next will almost certainly be just as thoughtful - and just as fabulous.  Follow Michael @mbetteridge Follow Queer Fit Club @queerfitclub or www.queerfitclub.com  ---- EPISODE SPONSOR: ALTITUDE FITNESS [This collaboration is part of an advertising campaign led by the Podpass agency for Altitude Sports] Shop now at Altitude Sports and enjoy up to 20% off your first order with the promo code "runcanada2026"  Click here to order 👉https://bit.ly/altitude-runcanada2026 Create an account or sign in to access the discount. Valid on items at regular price only. Valid for a limited time only after sign up. Cannot be combined with any other discount code and/or promotion. Limited to one use per customer. Membership discount not applicable on this offer.   --- Theme Music by Joseph McDade

    53 min
  3. Marcella Sangregorio

    APR 4

    Marcella Sangregorio

    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

    46 min
  4. Nat Severino

    MAR 21

    Nat Severino

    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

    37 min
  5. Tanya Desrivières

    MAR 14

    Tanya Desrivières

    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

    56 min
  6. Ceili McCabe

    MAR 7

    Ceili McCabe

    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

    51 min
  7. Leanne Taylor

    FEB 28

    Leanne Taylor

    When athlete Leanne Taylor was involved in a mountain biking accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down, her world changed. While she was navigating the emotions that come with a life-altering injury, Leanne decided she would focus on finding a new way to continue to bring back confidence and goal-setting through sport. Just eight months after her injury, she was on a start line competing in her very first paratriathlon. Leanne lives by the motto: Why not just try and see how far you can go? That mindset, along with a relentless work ethic and belief, brought her to the Paralympic Games in Paris, where she made history as the first Canadian woman to medal in paratriathlon. Now, life looks a little different again. Leanne and her husband have welcomed a baby into the family — working through new challenges of motherhood while continuing to chase excellence in sport. But if you think she's slowing down, think again. Her sights are firmly set on the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. Leanne is the epitome of resilience, reinvention, and relentless optimism, and she's got a smile and happiness that make you want to come along for the ride. follow Leanne @leataylor8   ---- EPISODE SPONSOR: ALTITUDE SPORTS Find the best gear for all of your winter fun with next-day delivery everywhere in Canada and same-day delivery available in Montreal. Shop now at Altitude Sports and enjoy up to 20% off your first order with the promo code "runcanada" Click here to order 👉 https://bit.ly/altitude-runcanada Conditions apply: Valid for a limited time on regular-priced items. Cannot be combined with other offers or the member discount. One use per customer. @altitudesports --- Theme Music by Joseph McDade

    57 min
  8. 42 Qs with Joyce Law

    FEB 21

    42 Qs with Joyce Law

    This week, I'm bringing back 42 Questions—a segment I haven't done in a while—and there was only one person who came to mind to relaunch it: the sunshine-filled Joyce Law. Joyce is a run and strength coach dedicated to empowering women, and she's a vibrant force in run communities across the GTA. No matter where she shows up, though, her heart belongs to her home crew, We Run North York. I loved this conversation. I love Joyce. And I think you're going to love this too. Get ready for some great coaching tips, some great stories, and more than a few laughs along the way. Follow Joyce @joysofrunning --- EPISODE SPONSOR: ALTITUDE SPORTS Find the best gear for all of your winter fun with next-day delivery everywhere in Canada and same-day delivery available in Montreal. Shop now at Altitude Sports and enjoy up to 20% off your first order with the promo code "runcanada" Click here to order 👉 https://bit.ly/altitude-runcanada Conditions apply: Valid for a limited time on regular-priced items. Cannot be combined with other offers or the member discount. One use per customer. @altitudesports --- Theme Music by Joseph McDade

    49 min
See All (256)

4.9
out of 5
30 Ratings

About

The Run Canada Podcast celebrates runners from all walks of life and the community we create within this fantastic sport. Hosted by Kirsten Parker, this show is the perfect partner to get you inspired and laughing and best of all, it gets you out running this beautiful country we call home.

Information

  • Creator
    Kirsten Parker
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    256
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © (c) 2024
  • Show Website
    Run Canada Podcast

You Might Also Like