Athletics Ontario Running Podcast

From accidental runner to ultrarunner and literary maven, Riley van der Linden is a force of nature. Find out how a move to a new city sparked a passion that led to a jaw-dropping 1000-day run streak and a new perspective on life. We dive into the world of Toronto's vibrant running communities, the secrets behind her popular @runtobooks Instagram account, and the one piece of advice they have for anyone s...

This week, we're joined by local running legend, Harvey Steinhoff, and he's not holding anything back! We're celebrating a milestone as we go inside the incredible second-anniversary story of the Shores of Erie run club—from a simple idea to a thriving community.
But that's just the start. Harvey, an official ambassador for the Windsor Waterfront Half Marathon, takes you behind the scenes of the city's pr...

On this episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we sit down with Burlington firefighter, mental health advocate, and runner Ryan Gallagher. Ryan shares the deeply personal story behind his mission to run 21 half-marathons in 21 days to raise funds for Pathstone Mental Health in September 2025. He opens up about how he's navigated his own mental health and sobriety journeys following the loss of ...

From July 21st to 25th, 2025, the inaugural SOO 200 made its mark on the ultra running world, bringing a gritty, breathtaking 200-mile challenge to Sault Ste. Marie, thanks to the team at Sinister Sports. Among the brave twenty runners to take it on? AO Running Podcast host and 2025-2026 AO Running Ambassador John Shep, who didn’t just run the race, but lived the full experience of it. Join us on this wee...

Join us on the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast as we dive into the world of running with Dekel Chui, one of the 2025-2026 AO Running Ambassadors! Based in Toronto, Dekel embodies the spirit of "running for joy," sharing his journey of rediscovering the sport and finding profound happiness in every stride. We'll explore his incredible feats, including being part of a team that holds two Guinness World Re...

Get ready to hit the trails and be inspired! This episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast features the incredible Danni Dickinson, a dynamic runner who's not just hitting the pavement but making a real community impact!
Join us as Danni shares her exhilarating journey, a path that truly took off in 2022 when she laced up for her very first race to honour her late father. But Danni's passion exten...

Join us on the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast as we chat with Eniola 'Eni' Busari, an inspiring Athletics Ontario Running ambassador who discovered his passion for the sport during the pandemic five years ago. For Eni, running is more than just exercise; it's a spiritual journey that has brought him immense joy and deep camaraderie.
Eni shares his remarkable journey from staying active to embracing com...

Join us on the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast as we chat with Keri Wong, an incredible Athletics Ontario Running Ambassador! For Keri, running means so much more than just miles – it's a journey that transformed her into the social and consistent athlete she is today.
Discover how Keri's passion for the sport drives her to support others, creating a friendly and welcoming presence whether she's racing ...

From far and wide - oh Canada! In this episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we're thrilled to chat with AO Running Ambassador Mark Jobst. Join us as Mark, a true pillar of the Northern Ontario running community, takes us on a journey through the joys of hitting the roads and trails in the Soo. Discover what makes Sault Ste. Marie a unique destination for runners of all levels, from its scenic routes like the Hub Trail ...

Get ready to be inspired on this episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast as we dive into the incredible journey of Nadya Stewart! Hailing from Barrie, Ontario, Nadya isn’t just a dedicated runner — she’s a passionate Athletics Ontario Running Ambassador for 2025-2026, championing a vision of running that’s welcoming, fun, and accessible to everyone.
In this episode, hear firsthand how Nadya is br...

Join us for an uplifting episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast as we sit down with Deanna Kelly, a passionate runner and official Athletics Ontario Running Ambassador! Deanna shares her unique journey and insights into the running world.

In this interview, we'll explore Deanna's personal running story, how she became an ambassador, and her role in fostering a v...

Ever wonder what sparks a movement? In this electric episode, we're catching up with Aristotle Domingo, Erin Doucette, Michelle Leduc and Denoja Uthayakumar - our new Athletics Ontario Running Ambassadors! These aren't just runners; they're the heart of Ontario's road and trail community, fueling its growth with pure passion. Join us as we uncover the drive behind their ambassadorship and how they're igni...

Lace up and tune in to a compelling conversation on the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast! We're thrilled to sit down with the inspiring Bernard Abarquez (@everydayfit.bernard), a true advocate for the community aspect of running. Bernard shares his unique insights into the flourishing "run crew culture" – what it means, why it matters, and how these groups are shaping the running landscape.
We'll dive in...

This week on the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, get ready for inspiration and grit! We're diving into the 2025 Sulphur Springs Trail Race, highlighting the ÜNDA Movement team's incredible 100-Mile Relay journey. This is a story of endurance, camaraderie, and the wild's undeniable allure!
As Ontario's longest-running ultra marathon (since 1993), SSTR pushes athletes through various distances, from 10K ...

What happens when passion meets inclusivity in the world of fitness? We find out in this captivating interview with Helen Stoumbos and Mike F. Jean, the passionate individuals dedicated to The Good Games (June 27-29 in Guelph, Ontario). Learn about their unique approach to athletic competition, which includes exciting events like adaptive CrossFit, wheelchair strongman, seated volleyball, and of course, 5...

Discover the thrill of the Summit 700 Trail Runs at Ontario's beautiful Blue Mountain Resort on this week's episode! Join us for a conversation with Race Director Bob Miller, a seasoned endurance expert with over 20 years of experience in everything from international adventure races to designing challenging courses across Ontario. Bob also shares his insights into the unique demands of the Summit 700, fe...

Can your running shoes actually make you a better parent? And can the daily adventures of parenthood boost your running? This week, the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast welcomes parenting guru Alyson Schafer to explore the fascinating connection between running and raising a family. We tackle the big questions: How can families seamlessly plan for runs and fitness without the drama? What's the secret to ...

Bridget Keroglidis shares her inspiring running journey on the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast. Learn how she runs for her mental and physical well-being, her community, and as a role model for her children. This episode includes her exciting 2025 running goals and projects, including her role as a Georgina Spring Fling ambassador.

Find out all about Bridget at: https:/...