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. Nat Severino

    2D AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. Tarrant Cross Child

    FEB 7

    Tarrant Cross Child

    TRIGGER WARNING: Today's conversation includes a discussion of substance abuse and a suicide attempt. I feel that it is important to share this story, but I also recognize that these topics can be heavy. Please listen in a way that feels safe for you, and don't hesitate to step away or join me for the next episode if you need to. If this episode brings up difficult feelings, support is available. In Canada, you can reach Talk Suicide Canada at 1-833-456-4566 by phone or text, or contact 911 if you're in immediate danger. If you're a young person looking for support, Kids Help Phone is available 24/7 at 1-800-668-6868 or by texting CONNECT to 686868. Help is there, and you don't have to go through this alone. - Today, Tarrant Cross Child is an ultrarunner and the inspiring founder of Prairie Run Crew—an organization that brings start lines, running clinics, pep rallies, shoes, and hope to children in underserved communities. But the path to who Tarrant is today was shaped by powerful life experiences. Growing up, his grandfather nurtured his love of running—first by encouraging him to run on the land, and eventually by lining up for his very first race. When Tarrant ran his first marathon, he won. And trust me, the story of how that happened is wild. What followed were incredibly difficult years. Tarrant struggled with alcohol addiction and survived a suicide attempt. Through connection—with the right people and programs—along with the love of his family and his relationship with running, he found his way through a year-long rehab program and, ultimately, back to the start line of that same marathon. Today, Tarrant and his entire family are helping bring Prairie Run Crew to kids who need the same encouragement, support, and belief—to learn how to set goals, dream big, and see what's possible. Follow Tarrant's journey @tarrantcrosschild Follow Prairie Run Crew @prairieruncrew     --- Theme Music: Joseph McDade

    49 min
  7. Kelsey Hogan

    JAN 31

    Kelsey Hogan

    Kelsey Hogan started running outside as a kid in her hometown of Steady Brook, NL. That early love for being outside and exploring has grown into a passion for elite ultra trail racing.  After talking with Kelsey, it became clear that connection sits at the heart of everything she does: connection to the natural world and the way it feels to move through it on the trails, connection rooted in gratitude for the people and experiences that have shaped her journey, and connection to community through her work as a mental performance coach.  Kelsey pours herself into pursuing big goals in the sport, but she's equally committed to giving back, whether as a youth ambassador or a role model for the next generation of female runners. Her energy and positivity are always top of mind, but we also dig into the harder moments - DNFs, goal dissapointments, and the importance of allowing space for grief in both sport and life.  Follow Kelsey @kelseypamela or find her on her website www.kelseyhogan.com    --- 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

    1 hr
  8. Becky Bates

    JAN 24

    Becky Bates

    At the Banff Film Festival in November 2025, a short film titled Becky Bates, Not a Running Story, premiered. The documentary followed Becky Bates, a 62-year-old BC ultrarunner, as she prepared for her third startline at the legendary Hardrock 100. This title perfectly captures Becky's humble take on her place in the sport: she doesn't see what she is doing as remarkable, even though many (read: me) would disagree. Becky started ultrarunning later in life, lining up for her first race at 50 after decades of biking, climbing and mountaineering. Twelve years on, she's racing in the front of her field, thriving on vert-heavy courses and proving that success in ultrarunning is built on resilience, smart training, and a deep love for the land she runs on. Her passion for the trail community and commitment to giving back to the sport that has shaped this chapter of her life make her a true role model.  Follow Becky @beckybbates Find out how you can see Becky Bates, Not a Running Story @lukasnemethfilms @scotproudfoot --- 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 Becky Bates photo: Cary Johnson Images @caryjohnsonimages

    56 min
See All (253)

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
    253
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © (c) 2024
  • Show Website
    Run Canada Podcast

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