the long run

please welcome mac jackson. day-to-day mackenzie is a realtor in the toronto area…but that’s not why he’s here today…he’s an ultra marathon runner who will be completing his first Ironman at the 2023 muskoka ironman. but that’s also not why he’s here…the reason i’ve invited mackenzie today is because he’s currently running 1,055 km in 50 days (or in simpler terms, a half-marathon every single damn day for 50 full days, rain or shine). why is mackenzie doing this? well, during a recent vacation in baja california sur he and his fiancée volunteered at cerritos beach dogs, a 100% not for profit dog shelter where dog lovers who want to do their part for the stray dogs in mexico are looking to make a positive change in the world.  ------ follow along with mackenzie's journey as he reaches 50 half marathons on his instagram > @mac.jackson890 < link in bio > @thelongrun.ca < to donate to cerritos beach dogs to help them as they look towards opening up a spay and neuter clinic in mexico

today we have an exceptionally special guest. a trailblazer in the sober community as he advocates for the acceptance of sober runners and sober individuals every single day. he himself is alcohol-free for just over 6 years as of today and since doing such he has run 3 marathons with a PB time of 2 hours 55 minutes and 49 seconds. If you don’t know who I’m talking about…well, it’s none other than luc zoratto or @marathontosobriety as you may know him on instagram. you’ll usually see luc spearheading the pact at most toronto races as he blazes down the course; if not, he’s extremely active on social media advocating for sober athletes of all kinds. whether it’s guides on how to get through dry january, skipping alcohol over the holidays, or a quick reel of him running indoors in his boxers, luc’s the guy that puts the cool in non-alCOOLholic beverages.

you may have already heard, but Sulphur Springs Trail Race is partnering with Arc'teryx for 2023 SSTR on May 27th and May 28th. join the crew for an exciting and explosive race weekend as we run ultra-distances and spectate runners from all over achieving a remarkable feat of athletic performance. if you don't have your race bib already please get on it! bibs are selling out fast so secure your spot today to ensure you're there for all the fun (or madness, depending on your views on running 100 miles). link in bio to get your bib. on this episode of the long run, your 2023 SSTR race directors talk about all things ultra trail running, Sulphur Springs tips and tricks, and why trail running is better (debatable) than road running. mauro, steve, and russell are experts in trail running so this is an episode you don't want to miss (especially if you're already registered to run SSTR). ------ Arc'teryx's collaboration with SSTR is more than just a partnership - it is a commitment to delivering an unforgettable experience for every participant. we are determined to make this year's race bigger, better, and more exciting than ever before.

cj’s story is interesting because he wasn’t supposed to be a runner. as a young child, he developed pneumonia and never gained back his full lung capacity. cj recalls, that he just started to put one foot in front of the other, go a little further each run, go a little faster, and give it a little more.. each time he went out. the running community he was brought up in gave him so much happiness that he decided to he ‘ought to start giving back by inspiring new runners to put one foot in front of the other just like he did some time ago. by helping new runners feel happy, comfortable and welcomed he’s helped countless people tap in to their full potential by being mindful, thoughtful, intentional, thankful, and living in the moment.

joining us today is Bernard Abarquez. You probably know Bernard by his instagram handle @everydayfit.bernard, which he has lived up to through his project 42 initiative where he ran 42 marathons, in 42 weeks, beginning on his 42nd birthday. Now, how was Bernard able to run 42 marathons in 42 weeks? Easy. He dedicates most of his time leading and dropping in to run clubs across Toronto, all the way from Parkdale to Leselieville - if you’re at a run club and you see Bernard at least 70% of the people there know him. And there’s a 100% chance of him being happy to see you. --  @everydayfit.bernard

today we are joined by two time chip potluck champion, Wil Cramer. If you see Wil on Strava or trotting around the east end of Toronto he’s usually cranking out a casual 14k on his lunch hour. As a marketplace merchandiser for ASICS for the past 3 years, you can always count on Wil to show up in his ASICS best at the various races and run clubs he takes part in year-round. When he’s not running, Wil’s constantly giving back to the community through different initiatives around Toronto and when you see Wil, whether it be around the neighbourhood, at a run club, at Riverdale park, or a local race, you know he’ll always show you some love. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, I wouldn’t be running today if Wil didn’t welcome me to the running community with such open arms. -- @wilcramer

Ben (or as he prefers to be called thick biscuit) has spent most of his life on the track: as a 1500m and 800m specialist he used his skills to win the OUA 4x800 relay in 2019 as well, he holds the 3rd fastest 1km time in University of Toronto history. to this day continues to run indoor/outdoor track competitively. Tristan, on the other hand, at heart is a distance athlete; as a nationally ranked country skier for most of his young life he has transferred his skills towards triathlons, road races, track events of all distances, and ultra-distance running (no seriously, he ran 50k in 4h and 3 minutes).  Together they are the driving force behind Blue Devils Athletic Club where they preach quality, speed and hard work to develop long-term athletes for life on and off the track.  Today we welcome you to the show to see if opposites do really attract… -- @t.mac.mark @ben.devito @bluedevilsac @devils.runclub

hey everyone! just wanted to release a quick introductory episode of what to expect in the following episodes. This is only a quick introduction of what's to come...stay posted for episode 001 releasing on February 5th @ 9:00 AM EST  new episodes every Sunday at 9:00 AM EST Instagram: @thelongrun.ca / @kevgarin happy running!