Creating a Culture of Safety for Runners was put together by three passionate leaders in the running community—people who not only love the sport but are deeply committed to building connections within their groups. Their passion for people naturally extends to a shared commitment to safety. After all, you can’t create an inclusive and joyful space if people are showing up in fear.

Our speakers are:

• Sarah Rose Black from Chix Run the 6ix

• Alejandro De La Cruz from Running Waters

• Erin Doucette from Toronto Trail Runners and The Trail Collective

Whether you’re looking for ways to feel safer on roads or trails—or want to help others feel included and protected—this episode is for you.

Mark October 17 & 18, 2025 on your calendar and plan to join this year's speaker stage for more lively discussion, important information, and fun friends from the run community!

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EPISODE SPONSOR: TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, October 18 & 19, 2025

While the Marathon and Half Marathon are already sold out, the fun’s not over yet! You can still be part of the action by signing up for the 5K on Saturday. This high-energy race takes you on a scenic tour through some of Toronto’s most iconic landmarks and vibrant neighbourhoods.

Trust us—this is a weekend you won’t want to miss! Since 2017, this event has been home to the Athletics Canada National Marathon Championships and even served as the Olympic Trials.

So lace up for the 5K on Saturday, and then stick around to cheer on thousands of runners taking on the marathon course Sunday. The energy is electric, the crowds are buzzing, and the memories? Totally worth it.

Head to canadarunningseries.com to register now. Let’s make it a weekend to remember!

Intro Music: Joseph McDade

I use the word resilient often on this show, but today's guest Samantha Powderhorn truly redefines it. Raised in the remote Sayisi Dene First Nation in Northern Manitoba, Samantha faced an incredibly tough childhood marked by addiction, neglect, and becoming a mother at just 15 years old. Later, after a cancer diagnosis and the devastating loss of her brother, she found herself battling addiction, trapped in an unhappy marriage, and trying to find a way forward.

But Samantha's story doesn't end there. She has transformed her life by learning to love and care for herself and discovering strength through running. She became the first Sayisi Dene woman to complete the Churchill Marathon and is setting her sights on even more incredible goals.

Samantha is brave, compassionate, and deeply inspiring. She shares her story hoping it will help others find their own path through hardship.

Follow Samantha @sayisitaurus

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EPISODE SPONSOR: Under Armour Toronto 10K

The Under Armour Toronto 10K is all about community: join us for a day of active excitement. Whether you're a seasoned runner or a first-timer, this event is about more than just a run: it's an opportunity to rally your crew and create lasting memories in your community. At over 90% sold out, this is your final call to join the fun. visit https://canadarunningseries.com/toronto-10k/ for more info and to get registered.

Intro Music: Joseph McDade

To say that getting to interview Alexi Pappas in person at the Servus Calgary Marathon this last weekend was a dream come true is an understatement. I have been a massive fan of this Greek-American Olympian for a long time: she is also an artist, an actor/filmmaker, a podcaster and a truly generous soul. Alexi and I talked about her two books, Bravey and the adaptation she wrote for younger readers, and the new book and film projects she is currently working on. We also dive into the ways she has found joy in the sport in every form: from dancing through the streets during the New York Marathon, to working with her vision-impaired running partner Lisa as she targets the Paralympics, to being an example of what a beautiful continued run life can be after a professional career.

Alexi constantly centres other people's experiences by listening and learning from everyone she encounters (as proved by her podcast Mentor Buffet) and gives incredible advice from a place of experience. I hope you find this magical episode as glittery and bubble-gun filled as we all did. IYKYK

Follow Alexi @alexipappas

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EPISODE SPONSOR: Did you have an awesome time at the Servus Calgary Marathon? Or experiencing FOMO for a fantastic race weekend? Join the Run Calgary team to celebrate the 45th running of the Calgary Police Classic (formerly the Calgary Police Half Marathon) on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Cowboys Park. The Calgary Police Classic is a fall road race that boasts a fast and flat half-marathon course, a new 8 km event (not the traditional 5 km and 10 km races), as well as a brand new kids race. Register now at https://raceroster.com/events/2025/100913/2025-calgary-police-classic