Athletics Ontario Running Podcast

John Shep
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Running
  • Updated Weekly

The Athletics Ontario Running Podcast explores the stories behind trail and road running in Ontario. A main goal of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast will be to reach those that we are not already reaching, to give voice to the underrepresented members of our community and bring these stories to the masses. All people, all speeds, all terrains, all abilities are welcome. For you, for all, for life.

  1. 2d ago

    EP 238: Sandra Auger - Chasing Team Canada by Winning the 2026 Persistence Backyard Ultra

    In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Sandra Auger—former competitive gymnast turned elite distance runner—fresh off her incredible victory at the 2026 Persistence Backyard Ultra in London, Ontario. Sandra opens up about how running became her sanctuary for processing grief, propelling her from traditional road marathons into the mind-bending world of backyard ultras. She takes us behind the scenes of balancing an intense elite training and recovery plan in Brooklyn shortly after giving birth, proving that motherhood and ultra-endurance can coexist. Joined by her trusted "assist" and fellow runner Joe Dubois, Sandra shares the gritty realities of outlasting the field through a relentless 30-hour deluge—a grueling effort that earned her a "silver ticket" for Team Canada and a spot at the upcoming World Championship team event in British Columbia. Learn more about Sandra Auger at: https://www.instagram.com/san_auger Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-canada-road-trail-membership Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout): https://hammernutrition.ca/

  2. Aug 13

    EP 237: Crossing Lines Playbook - Redesigning the Start Line with Crossing Lines

    In this in-person episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, the Crossing Lines gentlemen return to dive into their game-changing new resource designed specifically for race directors, event organizers, and industry leaders looking to build a more equitable running community. Developed in partnership with Bloom, the Crossing Lines Playbook provides a highly practical, actionable framework to address long-standing gaps in safety, representation, and accessibility for Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) runners. We explore how you can take simple, achievable steps to completely refresh your start line and design events where every runner feels they belong. Whether you manage a local 5K or a major marathon, this conversation offers the tools you need to shift from standard planning to intentional inclusion. Plus, learn how you can get your hands on this free guide and partner directly with the Crossing Lines team to transform your next event. Learn more about Crossing Lines and their great work at: https://www.instagram.com/xcrossinglinesx Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-canada-road-trail-membership Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout): https://hammernutrition.ca/

  3. Aug 6

    EP 236: Erin McDougall of Dirty Soles Trail Running - Trail Running Without the Price Tag

    In this episode, we sit down with Erin McDougall of Dirty Soles Trail Running, to talk about the evolution and heart behind one of Ontario's most community-focused race organizations. Erin shares his journey from taking over the legendary Fat Ass Trail Run in 2018 to teaming up with Naomi Coker to build a series of races that prioritize people over profit, keeping trail running accessible, affordable, and authentically grassroots. We dive into how Dirty Souls keeps registration costs low enough for whole families to participate—from using manual timing to championing awesome local venues like the Batawa Ski Hill. Plus, Erin breaks down the inspiration behind their most unique event formats, including the high-energy Happy Hour Friday Night Runs and the gritty Sugar Bush Shenanigans endurance challenges. Learn more about Dirty Soles Trail Running and their great work at: https://www.instagram.com/dirty.soles.trail.running/ Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-canada-road-trail-membership Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout): https://hammernutrition.ca/

  4. Jul 30

    EP 235: Adam Saltarelli - The 550-Mile Summer: Running Around Lake Ontario for Jumpstart

    Fresh out of high school in Port Colborne, Adam is gearing up for LO550—an astonishing 550-mile journey entirely around Lake Ontario to raise funds for Canadian Tire Jumpstart, helping kids overcome financial barriers to sports. Inspired by Canadian running icons like Terry Fox, he is averaging a marathon a day for 21 days starting this August. In this episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we sit down with Adam to talk about the physical and mental prep behind this massive multi-week trek, how a Grade 8 "Couch to 5K" program with his dad started it all, and how the community can get involved by sponsoring individual miles. Tune in to hear from a young athlete proving that you're never too young to chase an impossible goal and make a massive impact. Want to sponsor a mile or track Adam's progress? Check out his LO550 campaign and find out how you can cheer him on! Learn more about Adam and LO550 at: https://www.instagram.com/adamsaltarelli Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-canada-road-trail-membership Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout): https://hammernutrition.ca/

  5. Jul 23

    EP 234: Dr. Danny Grossi - From Patient to Pioneer of PIRX

    In this deeply moving episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we sit down with physician and competitive runner Danny Grossi to hear a story of unimaginable resilience and innovation. After a stellar collegiate career at Princeton, a sudden medical condition sidelined Danny for decades. His triumphant return to the sport in his 50s was abruptly halted by a life-threatening blood clot and severe compartment syndrome. Facing multiple intense surgeries, doctors delivered a grim warning that he might never walk again, let alone race. Refusing to accept this fate, Danny leveraged his extensive medical expertise and a rigorously data-driven mindset to engineer a grueling but successful rehabilitation process. This harrowing journey sparked a powerful new mission, leading him to develop PIRX, a cutting-edge, AI-powered training app designed to predict race performance and optimize physiological outcomes. Tune in to discover how one athlete transformed the terrifying threat of limb loss into a technological breakthrough dedicated to helping runners everywhere reach their ultimate potential. Learn more about Danny and PIRX at: https://www.instagram.com/pirx.app/ Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-canada-road-trail-membership Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout): https://hammernutrition.ca/

  6. Jul 16

    EP 233: SarahRose Black, Finish the Run - Making Footsteps Matter to End Gender-Based Violence

    Two years ago, SarahRose Black was violently assaulted in broad daylight while training for the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Instead of letting fear rewrite her story, she teamed up with her run crew, ChixRunthe6ix, to reclaim her safety and joy - we explore that story on this week's episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast She founded Finish the Run, an annual community movement raising funds for METRAC to end gender-based violence. After drawing over 100 runners in its first year, the event is back in 2026. Tune in to hear SarahRose's journey from trauma to advocacy, and how Toronto's running community is turning a site of violence into a symbol of solidarity. Because every pace deserves a safe space. Your footsteps matter. Learn more about Finish the Run at: https://www.instagram.com/finishtherun_to Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-canada-road-trail-membership Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout): https://hammernutrition.ca/

  7. Jul 9

    EP 232: Tarrant Cross Child, Prairie Run Crew - Running the Land with Saskatchewan Runners

    In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Tarrant Cross Child, the visionary founder of Prairie Run Crew, to explore the vibrant and rapidly growing running culture across Saskatchewan. Tarrant opens up about his powerful personal journey of recovery from addiction, sharing how the simple act of running became a vital lifeline for his mental and spiritual well-being. He takes us inside Prairie Run Crew's mission of bringing hope and restoration to others through active lifestyles and strong community partnerships. We also dive into a crucial conversation about Indigenous representation in the trail running community. Tarrant sheds light on his efforts to lower barriers for Indigenous athletes at major events like Sinister 7. Along the way, he introduces his beautiful philosophy of "running the land" - a mindful practice centered on honoring the deep history and ancestral stories embedded in the natural landscape. Join us to hear an incredible story of endurance, culture, and the healing power of the great outdoors. Learn more about Tarrant at: https://www.instagram.com/tarrantcrosschild/ Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-canada-road-trail-membership Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout): https://hammernutrition.ca/

  8. Jul 2

    EP 231: Trey Etseyatse - The Powerful Daily Acts of a Hybrid Athlete

    Going from a self-proclaimed high school "gym rat" to crushing five marathons in a single year is no small feat! In this episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we sit down with hybrid athlete and entrepreneur Trey Etseyatse to chart his incredible fitness evolution. After picking up running during the COVID-19 pandemic, Trey faced the classic beginner's trap of early injuries. Instead of throwing in the towel, he adapted, pivoted, and decoded what it takes to survive - and thrive - in the endurance world. Trey shares the secrets behind his core philosophy of "moving every day," explaining how he balances the seemingly conflicting worlds of heavy lifting and intense endurance training by prioritizing one discipline at a time. Trey is also taking his passion for performance from the roads to the grocery shelves. We dive into his transition into the fitness industry with the launch of Daily Acta, a sparkling electrolyte beverage featuring a unique triple magnesium blend. Trey breaks down his refreshing approach to sports nutrition, emphasizing the importance of listening to your body and fueling specifically for your daily physical output rather than blindly following rigid, cookie-cutter plans. Trey's journey offers a fantastic blueprint for the modern hybrid athlete. Hit subscribe (in our Linktree) to listen to Trey's full story and learn how to optimize your daily movement! Learn more about Trey at: https://www.instagram.com/treyetseyatse Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-canada-road-trail-membership Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout): https://hammernutrition.ca/

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About

The Athletics Ontario Running Podcast explores the stories behind trail and road running in Ontario. A main goal of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast will be to reach those that we are not already reaching, to give voice to the underrepresented members of our community and bring these stories to the masses. All people, all speeds, all terrains, all abilities are welcome. For you, for all, for life.

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