Born in Chilliwack, B.C., and raised in Vernon, B.C., Hill spent much of her teenage years and young adult life competing in BMX racing. And she was good, achieving titles in various categories across national BMX events.

But Hill’s BMX dreams were stopped in their tracks one fateful spring day in 2003. The young athlete was riding her bike on a road near her hometown when a Chevy Blazer 4×4 SUV, weighing some 4,000 pounds, hit Hill from behind, sending the 21-year-old BMX rider flying from her bike.

The accident left Hill with a traumatic brain injury and severe trauma to her back.

The future was suddenly uncertain. There was no assurance that she would fully recover. She was told she wouldn’t race again. Hill’s memory was impacted, her equilibrium, depth perception, and quick-twitch timing—an essential response needed for split-second reactions in BMX—were all damaged.

Hill admits that about five years into her rehabilitation, she came to a realization:

“I had been expecting that at some point medical professionals would be able to put my life back together,” she says. “And I came to a point where I realized there was nobody who was going to give me back what I wanted, which was my life before the accident.”

Hill decided that the only way forward was to pick up the pieces and move on with what she had. Eventually, that meant turning to running.

The rest? It was all just happenstance. A friend suggested Hill try a triathlon. A few short years after competing in her first triathlon—an Ironman distance—another friend suggested that she look into an ultra. Then an ultra became a double-ultra and then a triple and now Hill is shattering records everywhere she goes.

She’s currently the only person on earth to complete three double deca triathlon continuous races, which is equivalent to 20 Ironman triathlon distances completed in one effort. That’s a 76-kilometre swim, 3,600-kilometre bike ride, and 844-kilometre run.

She is also the first woman ever to complete a triple deca triathlon continuous, consisting of a 114-kilometre swim, a 5,400-kilometre bike ride, and a 1,266-kilometre run. And on top of that, Hill holds the women’s world record for the most International Ultra Triathlon Association (IUTA) Ironman distances completed.

But for the B.C. native, it’s not about the records.

“It’s about searching for excellence inside my soul to know what I’m capable of,” says Hill.

And she keeps proving time and time again that she’s capable of phenomenal things.

In March of this year, Hill competed in the Ultra Tri South Africa, finishing the 10x continuous ultra in 279 hours and 30 minutes. She was the first and only woman to cross the finish line and finished an incredible second overall.

Amazingly, ultra triathlons are not Hill’s day job. Between races, she works for a natural food store in her hometown and does landscaping work in the summer. She lives on a farm with her teenage son, two dogs, three goats, one miniature horse, and two cats, providing a peaceful yet spirited environment that is much-needed between races.

As for training?

Hill acknowledges that her landscaping work could be considered cross-training as it’s hard on the body, but that’s certainly not why she does it.

“I’m not a big believer that more miles are going to make me a better athlete,” she says. “I think that rest and recovery is the most important thing.”

Citing nine hours of sleep—much more than the maximum three hours she gets during races—as crucial to her recovery, Hill attributes her success in triathlons to figuring out how to nourish her body properly.

“I believe the key component to everything exercise—and life in general—is when you can find good nutrition. When you can put good nutrition into your brain, you can make good choices, and every other area of your life will benefit from it. We can make our lives better.”

As for what that nutrition is? Between races she gets most of her protein from tofu. Nuts and carbs are also important to her diet—with bread and chocolate two of her favourite staples.

During races, it’s all about the calories. Hill takes in thousands of calories a day, constantly eating when she has the chance. Her go-to is a special cashew and vegetable soup mix that she crafted herself, paired with tofu and piles of veggies.

Another critical element for the ultra-triathlete in between races has been oxygen therapy, which she says is the only real training she gets besides work. Hill explains that twice a week she sits on a bike while wearing a mask, and a trainer flips a switch to reduce oxygen to 11 per cent. Then, they perform intervals of flooding her body with 80 per cent oxygen.

The biggest impact Hill has seen with oxygen therapy is in her sleep. Managing sleep was one of her biggest struggles when she was first starting out in ultra triathlons. Due to her brain injury, Hill suffered more than most people with the lack of sleep. Six hours a night was the minimum her body required to have maximum performance.

“What’s fascinating is that since I started doing oxygen therapy, I’ve been able to get my sleep down to three hours a night and not have fatigue,” says Hill.

Hill’s oxygen therapy is provided at a discount by one of her sponsors, Eve Volve Wellness. But astoundingly, Hill isn’t backed by any major sponsors. Rancho Vignol provides food, and The Starting Block hooks her up with shoes. But it’s all thanks to donations on her website—shandahillultra.com—that she is able to travel the world and compete.

“[Donations] have mostly been by Canadian people who have stepped forward and said, ‘We want to see you achieve your goals,’” says Hill.
And it’s not hard to imagine why Canadians are getting behind their superstar from B.C. Hill’s grit and resolve are unparalleled, and she’ll stop at nothing to compete.

In 2016, during Hill’s first year racing ultras, she tore her quad muscle during the USA Ultra Triathlon Quintuple Anvil, which consists of a 19-kilometre swim, 900-kilometre bike ride, and 210-kilometre run, all to be completed within a 132-hour time limit.

“To date, it’s been the most painful injury I’ve ever had. I didn’t know how I would continue,” says Hill. “I was so invested in that race. I sacrificed so much to be at that race, and there was a desire in me to finish.”

Despite the injury, Hill made the decision to keep going. She says that within half an hour, her torn quad went numb. Not only did she finish the race with 15 hours to spare, she was the first woman to cross the finish line.

And in June of this year, while racing the Bretzel Ultra Triathlon in Colmar, France, Hill had an accident when getting off her bike. Her shoe didn’t unclip in time and she hit her ankle on the pedal, opening a deep cut that required stitches.

She was asked to stop and go to medical. She said no. Luckily, one of her support crew was able to stitch her up so she could power on.

With a bruised and stitched ankle paired with extreme temperatures climbing into the mid-30s, the 422-kilometre run took a toll on the unyielding athlete. Despite the injury and relentless heat, Hill still came home to finish first place among the women and second overall.

Hill repeatedly demonstrates that there is no limit to what the body and mind can achieve. She’s breaking barriers, setting records, and showing that determination and resilience are key ingredients for reaching our potential.

“I’m in awe of what our bodies can do,” she says.

And on whether she will continue chasing incredible feats in ultra triathlons, she has this to say: “I still have a love for it. I still have a passion for it. [I wonder] what else is possible? And so, I am still exploring what my own potential is.”

One thing is for sure: Canadians and the world over should keep an eye on Shanda Hill from Vernon, B.C., because she is a fighter—a powerhouse—and she will continue to achieve greatness. 

Photography: Paulo Henrique Pigozzi

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Read This Story in Our 2025 Summer Outdoor Travel Issue
IMPACT Magazine Summer Outdoor Travel Issue 2025 featuring Shanda Hill, a Canadian Ultra Triathlete who is redefining the sport. Run on some epic trails in our own backyard or join a run club. Eat your way for Mental Clarity, fueling while travelling, seasonal eating and some kitchen must haves. Become strong and fit in only 20 minutes a day, and enjoy some tasty drinks guilt free and so much more.

Truly, there is no shortage of destinations you can jet off to for a little adventure.

But sometimes in our quest to find the most daring and spectacular places, we forget about the highlights in our own backyard. That is why we are taking you on a cross-country trip of the incredible trails to run or hike in Canada’s provinces and territories.

British Columbia – Juan de Fuca Trail
47 kilometres | Photography – Logan Kuzyk

Hugging 47 kilometres of the wild Pacific coastline on Vancouver Island, the Juan de Fuca Trail is an adventurer’s dream.

With old-growth forests, rocky headlands and sweeping ocean views, Juan de Fuca has been described as a “mini” West Coast Trail. But without the strict permit systems and crowds of Canada’s most popular long-distance trail, hikers and runners can enjoy similar challenges of rugged terrain and significant elevation change with less hassle.

Hikers looking to overnight on the trail only have to pay a small fee to stay at one of the designated campgrounds along the way.

Alberta – Northover Ridge
34 kilometres | Photography – Arjay Neyra

Most people visiting Alberta for the first time will want to head out to the world-famous Banff. And we can’t argue that Banff has some breathtaking trails, but for those looking for a more venturesome experience, Kananaskis is the place to go—more specifically, the Northover Ridge.

This 34-kilometre loop is perfect for the adventurous, with over 1,500 metres of elevation gain and a thrilling knife-edge traverse along the Continental Divide.

Saskatchewan – Valley of 1000 Devils
11.4 kilometres | Photography – Benjamin Hutton, Tourism Saskachewan

Experience the uniqueness of Canada’s landscape with this rugged 11-kilometre out-and-back in Saskatchewan’s Grasslands National Park.
Pack your sunscreen and water for this hike because as the name suggests, there is no protection from the sun in the badlands landscape. Plan to start your hike early, before the heat of the day sets in as temperatures in the badlands can be 10C hotter than elsewhere. Despite the heat, hikers are treated to solitude and striking terrain as they pass hoodoos, steep coulees, and sun-scorched lands.

Manitoba – Spirit Sands & Devil’s Punch Bowl
10.4 kilometres | Photography – Travel Manitoba

Canada’s vast landscape keeps on giving on the Spirit Sands & Devil’s Punch Bowl Trail in Spruce Woods Provincial Park, where hikers and runners are treated to an array of scenery.

From Manitoba’s only sand dunes to grassland prairies, rolling hills, forests, and lakes, this 10-kilometre trail truly has something for everyone.

Expect a workout for your calves as you battle the shifting sand underfoot, and know that your reward for tricky terrain is breezy ridges where wildflowers grow in abundance. And once you reach the Devil’s Punch Bowl, enjoy the dazzling turquoise waters.

Ontario – Top of the Giant
22.4 kilometres | Photography – Destination Ontario

This is a trail that even native Ontarians living in the province’s metropolitan areas are going to want to make a trip for. Rising dramatically above Lake Superior in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park near Thunder Bay, the Top of the Giant Trail is Ontario’s ultimate big-view hike.

The 22-kilometre out-and-back is perfect for hikers and runners looking for a challenge with a big payoff. Visitors pass through forests of spruce, birch and poplars and along the shoreline of Lake Superior before climbing towards the high point of the trail where they take in the staggering views—a sheer cliff some 300 metres above the world’s largest freshwater lake.

Quebec – Acropole des Draveurs Trail
11.2 kilometres | Photography – Ian Roberge, Tourisme Charlevoix

Carrying on with the quad- and calf-burning trails, the Acropole des Draveurs Trail in Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park will give you a challenge your whole body will feel, but a reward your mind won’t soon forget.

This incredibly popular hiking spot north of Quebec City does have an entrance fee for the national park and there is a free shuttle that visitors must take to reach the start of the trailhead.

Once on the trail, expect steep switchbacks and climbs with three main summits, each with increasingly magnificent views of the river valley, lush forest, and surrounding peaks.

New Brunswick – Fundy Footpath
41 kilometres | Photography – Nick Hawkins, Tourism New Brunswick

Stretching 41 kilometres from the Big Salmon River and hugging the coastline to the Fundy National Park, this rugged, world-class trail should be at the top of all trail runners’ and hikers’ bucket lists.

The Fundy Footpath offers an unparallelled wilderness experience as travellers hike through forests, pass waterfalls, and cross pebble beaches and ravines—including two tidal rivers that can only be crossed at low tide.

Camping conditions are primitive with no designated sites and water treatment is necessary, so make sure you’re prepared with all of the essentials before taking on this mammoth trail.

Nova Scotia – Cape Split Trail
13.2 kilometres | Photography – Patrick Rojo, Tourism Nova Scotia

The Skyline Trail may be the first trail to come to mind when we think of Nova Scotia hiking. But in 2025, it’s so popular that it reaches capacity most days. That’s why we’re recommending a less crowded but no less stunning option.

The Cape Split Trail offers a mix of dense woodland beauty and scenic lookouts over the Bay of Fundy, where hikers can catch a glimpse of the world’s highest tides.

But the true gem of this hike comes at the trail’s dramatic headland, with towering clifftop views of where the Minas Basin meets the Bay of Fundy.

Prince Edward Island – Confederation Trail
449 kilometres | Photography – Sander Meurs, Tourism PEI

Built on a decommissioned railway line, Confederation Trail runs the entire length of P.E.I. Although the main trail runs 273 kilometres from Tignish in the west to Elmira in the east, the trail branches off to various towns and communities on the island, bringing the trail’s total length to 449 kilometres.

The trail may be long, but it’s flat and easy to tackle in shorter stints. Confederation Trail is also more than just your average hiking trail with over 1,600 geocaches and nearly 250 bilingual interpretive panels along the route.

Newfoundland – Gros Morne Mountain Trail
15.4 kilometres | Photography – Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism

It’s true that Gros Morne Mountain Trail captures the raw and untouched beauty of Newfoundland, but similar to other trails on this list, it’s not for the faint-hearted. This challenging loop will test your limits as you climb nearly 800 metres from lush forests to the summit of Newfoundland’s second-highest peak.

Expect views of Ten Mile Pond, Long Range Mountains, wildlife and wildflowers. Those hoping to tackle this trail should be prepared with the right clothes and plenty of water. Also, plan your visit wisely as the trail is closed for ecological reasons from May to late June each year.

Yukon – Grizzly Lake Trail
22.2 kilometres | Photography – Michael Overbeck, Travel Yukon

Grizzly Lake Trail is located in Tombstone Territorial Park, with Dawson City the closest hub about an hour-and-a-half south.

This is a hike that takes a little more preparation than some of the others. A permit must be purchased if you intend to camp, plus, all trail users must register and attend a backcountry orientation before starting the hike.

But don’t worry. The preparation will be worth it to experience the untamed wilderness of Canada’s north. With rolling grassy meadows, jagged peaks and alpine lakes, this is a hike you won’t soon forget.

Northwest Territories – Canol Heritage Trail
350 kilometres | Photography – Hans Pfaff, NWT Tourism

If you’re looking for solitude and seclusion, this is the hike for you. You can put your cell phone away—unless you want to take photos of the dramatic landscape—because there is no service along the trail.

From Norman Wells, N.W.T., through the Mackenzie Mountains and ending at the Macmillan Pass on the Yukon border, this is one of Canada’s most challenging hikes. But if you’re up for the challenge, it’s also one of the most rewarding. You’ll trek through rugged mountain valleys, tundra meadows, and past relics of military history.

Nunavut – Apex Trail
5 kilometres | Photography – Isaac Demeester

It’s not the territory’s most extreme trail—that title goes to the 97-kilometre Akshayuk Pass—but this is certainly a great trail to get accustomed to Nunavut’s landscape with beautiful scenery along the coast. Located near Iqaluit, runners and hikers alike can enjoy a relatively relaxed journey along the bayside.

What makes this a truly special (and Canadian) trail is that you can see a historic Hudson’s Bay Company establishment; old building foundations and rusting machinery tell of a once-booming establishment from 1949.

Some sections of the trail can be hard to follow, so an offline GPS map of the trail is recommended. 

You may also like: Cross-Country Road Trip

Read This Story in Our 2025 Summer Outdoor Travel Issue
IMPACT Magazine Summer Outdoor Travel Issue 2025 featuring Shanda Hill, a Canadian Ultra Triathlete who is redefining the sport. Run on some epic trails in our own backyard or join a run club. Eat your way for Mental Clarity, fueling while travelling, seasonal eating and some kitchen must haves. Become strong and fit in only 20 minutes a day, and enjoy some tasty drinks guilt free and so much more.

Since its inception in 2006—with founding marathons London, Boston, Berlin, Chicago and New York City—over 20,000 runners have completed all six major marathons to receive their prized Six Star Medal. In 2013 Tokyo was added and this year, there is something special. A new race has entered the ranks—Sydney Marathon.

Even with the addition of a seventh race, the Six Star Medal remains unchanged. The plan? Two more races will be introduced in the coming years—potentially Cape Town and Shanghai—setting the stage for an even more formidable challenge—the Nine Star Medal. But until then, let’s explore the Abbott World Marathon Majors as they stand in 2025.

Tokyo, Japan | March

Tokyo is arguably one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Boasting the title of most populous city on earth, the metropolitan area of Tokyo is home to more than 37 million people. With a rich culture and a striking contrast between ancient temples and modern skyscrapers, deep-routed traditions and sophisticated technology, Tokyo is a city that exudes excitement. So, what better place to run a marathon?

There are countless reasons that the Tokyo Marathon should be high on your list. For one, it’s one of the most technologically advanced marathons, with live tracking, results, and cutting-edge health measures for runners. And for a race that hosts nearly 40,000 runners, the organization and logistical precision is bar none.

Beyond the logistics, the Tokyo Marathon is something to behold. Millions of spectators take to the street, some donned in costumes, many holding homemade signs, all cheering enthusiastically as they spur on the runners.

Live performances add to the atmosphere as runners pass through Tokyo’s most impressive districts. The relatively flat route begins close to the world’s busiest train station—Shinjuku Station. Course highlights include Sensō-ji Temple, the oldest Buddhist temple in the city; Tokyo Skytree, the tallest freestanding structure in Japan; and Ginza, an upscale area known for luxury shopping.

London, England | April

It’s not hard to be convinced of London’s charm. It’s a diverse city with something for everyone. From Michelin Star restaurants to spectacular street markets, world-class musicals and plays to world-famous sites like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square and Tower Bridge, London has a lot to showcase.

And then there is the London Marathon. One of the most popular marathons in the world, the idea for the marathon was actually born in a pub when some members of a local running group were reminiscing about the New York City Marathon and believed London deserved one too. Now, more than four decades later, the London Marathon is the world’s largest one-day fundraising event, having raised more than 1.3 billion pounds (approximately $2.4 billion CAD) since its inception in 1981.

The people of London know how to make this event extra special. There are roaring crowds the entire way along the route, and locals hand out beer instead of water in the East End. Then there are the costumes. Creative and impressive, runners dress up in all manners of attire from Superman to Big Ben and even a pint of beer, you’ll see just about anything on the race course.

The route itself is a spectacular distraction from the hard work at hand. Beginning in Greenwich Park, runners must test their restraint as the first few kilometres are downhill. Runners pass over the Tower Bridge and run along the Thames River past London classics like Big Ben, the Parliament Buildings, and the London Eye. Once beyond St. James Park, they lay eyes on the finish line—the Mall in front of Buckingham Palace.

Boston, U.S.A. | April

One of America’s oldest cities, Boston is steeped in history. There is a vibrant, almost romantic “true American” atmosphere about Boston, which also boasts two of the top universities in the world—Harvard and MIT. With diverse neighbourhoods, a sports culture in a league of its own, and a string of parks and green spaces for all to enjoy, Boston is a city one easily falls in love with.

It’s only fitting that a city with such history also takes the crown for oldest annual marathon in the world. First held in 1897, the Boston Marathon has become iconic, attracting runners from 120 countries and all 50 U.S. states.

Despite the prestige and long history, Boston is not for the faint of heart. It’s considered one of the slowest marathons to complete, partly due to the unpredictability of the weather and the hills. Weather in the past has varied from freezing rain, strong winds to extreme heat. From kilometre 24 to 34, runners must contend with the Newton Hills, the last of which is known as Heartbreak Hill. But once they have completed the hills, they are two-thirds of the way done and the growing crowds have enough enthusiasm and support to will the tired runners across the finish line on Boylston Street.

One notable thing. Boston is a net downhill course—meaning the total descent is greater than the elevation gain. Because of this, world records can not officially be made on the course.

Berlin, Germany | September

It’s hard to imagine that a city as vibrant and culturally rich as Berlin could have a recent history as dark and complicated as it does. Visit it today and you’ll still see the remains of WWII, which ravaged the city. Holes from bullets and shrapnel have been left in the facades of buildings as a reminder of those perilous days.

As has a small part of the Berlin Wall, which stretched 155 kilometres, separating East and West Berlin for nearly 30 years beginning in 1961.

Today, Berlin is a hub of culture and creativity. It’s a city that never sleeps with a legendary nightlife, thriving art sphere, and impressive food scene. The city also happens to be a pretty perfect place to run your first marathon.

Known as being flat and fast, the route doesn’t have much elevation change and with temperate weather in late September, runners aren’t exposed to the extremes they are in some of the other major marathons.

The Berlin Marathon is also the perfect opportunity to take a sightseeing tour of the city. Beginning west of the Brandenburg Gate, runners pass sights like the Victory Column, the German House of Parliament and Checkpoint Charlie. After 42.195 kilometres passing through the boroughs of Berlin, runners run through the iconic Brandenberg Gate before crossing the finish line.

Chicago, U.S.A. | October

So much can be said about Chicago. It’s a city where grit and glamour have coexisted pretty much since the day it was founded. During prohibition, infamous gangster Al Capone called the city home. Then, there is the long history of music—Nat King Cole, Chaka Khan, Jennifer Hudson, and Sam Cooke are just some of the legends that came out of the windy city.

Chicago is a city full of character, with stunning architecture and an energy you can’t recreate. Go for the deep-dish pizza, watch a ball game at Wrigley Field, and stay for one of the world’s most-loved marathons.

Every October, the Chicago Marathon welcomes more than 50,000 participants on an epic tour of 29 of the city’s unique neighbourhoods. Starting and ending at Grant Park, the route is truly something to behold. After running under the shadows of skyscrapers downtown, runners experience the vibrancy that is Chicago. They pass through Boystown—the city’s LGBTQ+ district—Greektown, Little Italy, Chinatown, and Pilsen, where mariachi music fills the air.

The cultural richness of Chicago is reason enough to participate in this marathon. But, if that’s not enough, the Chicago Marathon route is flat and currently holds the record for fastest marathon time for both men and women at 2:00:30 and 2:09:56 respectively. So, if you want a gentler initiation into the Abbott World Marathon Majors, Chicago may be the perfect race for you.

New York City, U.S.A. | November

New York, New York. What can be said about New York that hasn’t already been sung about by some of history’s greatest lyricists? It’s just one of those cities that everyone needs to experience at least once in their lives. There is an energy about the place that is unmatched. The buzz of traffic, the rush of the people, the mixture of cultures and traditions all exist in unison within a city defined by high fashion and big business.

Millions of people from around the world flock to the city that never sleeps to live out their own big-city fantasies. They want to grasp a piece of the excitement. While New York City is known for its shopping, sports, food, and chaos, the New York City Marathon allows people to see the city differently.

It’s almost no surprise that the New York City Marathon is the largest in the world, with 1.2 million runners finishing the spectacular race since its inception in 1970. Runners get to encounter the best of NYC and its citizens. Each year, approximately two million spectators take to the route to cheer on runners and offer encouragement as they tackle the trying course.

Despite the electric energy and unparalleled atmosphere, runners beware. The NYC Marathon is thought to be the toughest of the majors. Starting in Staten Island, runners cross the spectacular Verrazano-Narrows Bridge before facing a multitude of hills, over
five bridges and through the city’s famous boroughs before crossing the finish line in Central Park.

New this year: Sydney, Australia | August

It’s one of the most iconic and recognized cityscapes in the world. Setting eyes on the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge sits atop the bucket lists of people the world over. With beautiful beaches such as Bondi and Manly and with a food scene that would make a foodie cry tears of joy, Sydney is a haven unlike any other city in the world.

When it seemed like Sydney couldn’t possibly get any better, the Abbott World Marathon Majors announced the city as the newest edition to its ranking in 2025. Sydney will host its first world major marathon this August, which runners will surely relish given the cooler average temperatures—an advantage unique to the only major marathon held south of the equator.

Unlike Berlin, London and Tokyo, Sydney is not a flat city and therefore has the added challenge of hills to contend with. Despite having the most elevation gain of any of the majors, the scenery is sure to distract. Runners begin in North Sydney before crossing the Harbour Bridge, taking in the awe-inspiring views of the harbour.

Winding through Darling Harbour and the Royal Botanical Gardens, runners have the thrill of crossing the finish line at the Sydney Opera House. 

Congratulations to our IMPACT Magazine guest editor, Louise Hodgson-Jones on earning her Six Star Medal in Tokyo this year.

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Read This Story in Our 2025 Running Issue
IMPACT Magazine Running Issue 2025 featuring some incredible Canadian women ultrarunners who are on the rise on the world trail stage. Run your way around the world to earn your six star Abbott World Marathon Majors commemorative medal. Train for 10 km right up to a marathon – plus a 50 km trail run and 70.3 program. Strength workouts for runners, carb load with these pasta recipes and so much more.

The 59-year-old mother of five and grandmother of 12 from Welling, Alta. has always loved fitness. A runner at heart, Wilde would often put in her kilometres before the rest of her family woke up. However, that all changed when she broke her wrist while cleaning up after teaching music class.

“I was heartbroken. I thought, what am I going to do for six weeks,” says Wilde, who found herself with a cast that almost reached her elbow. 

Thankfully, it didn’t take long for Wilde to find her muse. Right around the time of her accident, a viral challenge was taking over the internet and inspiring millions of people worldwide to get on the floor and plank. While her grown children were visiting one day, they decided to take part in the challenge.

Despite having never planked a day in her life, Wilde joined her family on their forearms—one of the few positions she could hold with her bulky cast. And later in the day when the family had gone home, she decided to do it again. She was hooked.

“I couldn’t run. I could hardly walk down the road with a sling, but I could plank,” she says. “It was such a pivotal moment for me that day. It just changed my life.”

Six weeks later when the cast came off, rather than give up planking, Wilde’s love of it snowballed. She planked at the school; she planked while grading papers. She made it to 10 minutes in a plank and then longer.

When the COVID-19 pandemic was challenging the world, Wilde was taking on her own challenge—her children wanted to see just how long she could hold the “perfect” plank (hands, elbows and feet on the floor, hips level, body unmoving). As it turned out, she could hold the position for nearly two hours.

Over the next few years, Wilde took a more disciplined approach to planking, putting more emphasis on form and time, and in January 2023, she officially began training for the Guinness World Record. Push-ups, weight lifting, running and of course planking all played heavily into her regime.

On March 21, 2024, Wilde’s friends and family gathered in the gymnasium at Magrath High School where Wilde had spent her career as a teacher. She climbed onto a platform in the middle of the gym, an official Guinness adjudicator standing next to her watching her every move.

The clock began. Students, many of whom Wilde taught, family and friends gathered in the gymnasium for support.

The first two hours passed with relative ease, but as Wilde entered her third hour, pain began to set in. As anyone who has tried to plank would know, when pain creeps in, it’s hard to push it away. But Wilde is no stranger to pain.

When finishing her undergraduate degree in December 2006, she was diagnosed with transverse myelitis, a neurological disease that causes inflammation in the spinal cord and leads to nerve damage in different parts of the body. For Wilde, that meant permanent pain in her hands.

The former school teacher was able to use her experience dealing with constant pain to stay focused and strong.

And when the pain and discomfort became too much, Wilde just had to glance up to see all the love and support filling the gymnasium to remind her why she was doing this.

“Looking up and seeing my grandkids there, and they made posters and were cheering me on, that’s what kept me going.” 

At four hours, 30 minutes and 11 seconds, when Wilde’s knees touched the platform and the clock stopped, she had done more than enough to take the Guinness World Record for longest time in an abdominal plank position (female).

But this grandma had more to show because six months after her first record-setting feat, Wilde was at it again. This time, to set the record for the most push-ups in one hour.

On September 28, 2024, at the Diamond Willow Lodge senior home, again surrounded by friends, family, and residents of the lodge, including her 91-year-old mother-in-law, Wilde would again put her body to the test. She had 60 minutes on the clock to beat the current record of 1,207 push-ups.

When the clock hit zero, she had more than smashed that record with 1,575 push-ups. Miraculously, she would have padded the number further if, with only two minutes to go, she hadn’t dislocated her shoulder.

It may not have been how Wilde wanted to run out the clock, but she was now a two-time Guinness World Record holder. 

Her positivity, determination and strength are an inspiration. Racking up millions of views online, Wilde’s record-breaking feats are empowering others to lean into fitness. 

For Wilde, planking helped give her purpose when her regular activities were out of reach, and it’s continued to make her feel strong throughout the years. Planking and push-ups may not be for everyone, but the former teacher has one lesson she’d like to share of her experience: “Have your own toolbox of things that will help you stay happy and healthy and walk tall and stand tall and be confident through your days.”

Photography by: Trudie Lee Photography

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Read This Story in Our 2025 Inspiration Issue
Plus, meet the 36 fitness instructors named Canada’s Top Fitness Instructors in this issue. We’ve also got delicious plant based recipes, how to meal prep for success, make meaningful resolutions, practical fitness hacks, healthy morning habits and so much more!

La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Costa Rica is known as a paradise the world over. Although many people are attracted to the destination for the white sand beaches and incredible surf, if you’re on a mission to find the country’s fitness paradise, look no further than La Fortuna. The small town is in the northeastern highlands of Costa Rica at the base of the Arenal Volcano.

La Fortuna itself is a quaint, laid-back haven with great local eateries and plenty of yoga studios where you can find your Zen. But if you’re looking for some adventure, you don’t have to go far for amazing hiking—with many trails allowing you to explore the base of the Arenal Volcano. Hike and swim at the waterfall sharing the same name as the town, try your hand at canyoning and waterfall repelling and get an added boost of adrenaline from whitewater rafting. Basically, if you can dream it, you can do it in La Fortuna.

Taghazout, Morocco

Chances are, if you aren’t an avid surfer, you’ve never heard of Taghazout, Morocco. However, even if you aren’t an avid surfer, we think you’ll fall in love with this village.

Boasting year-round waves, there is a reason that this southern Moroccan fishing village has made a name for being a surfer’s paradise. But don’t get discouraged if you’ve never surfed before. Taghazout is a great destination no matter your skill level. If you’re a beginner, sign up for a surfing camp and become a pro in no time.

There is more to Taghazout than just surfing. You’ll find an array of yoga studios in the village and surrounding area, stunning snorkelling opportunities with vibrant reefs to explore, and visitors are only a short drive from the Paradise Valley, a spectacular area of the Atlas Mountains that hosts breathtaking hiking.

Wellness

Lapland, Finland

You may be a little surprised to see Lapland, Finland on this list. After all, how could heading to Finland’s northernmost region in the middle of winter be good for your well-being? That’s easy —the Finns invented the sauna. For more than 2,000 years, the Finns have been using saunas, and although the sophistication of them has come a long way, they have remained integral to the Finish culture.

Saunas have a host of wellness benefits beyond relaxation. Emerging evidence suggests that sauna use could reduce the risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and inflammation as well as treat the common flu, various skin conditions, headaches and more.

There are some wonderful resorts and accommodations in Lapland offering sauna experiences (and cold plunges if you’re feeling brave!), and since winter is Finland’s darkest time of year, it’s the perfect opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights as they dance across the night sky.

Dead Sea, Jordan

Jordan may already be on your bucket list because of the world-famous archeological site of Petra, but there is another reason we think you’ll love the Middle Eastern country. People flock to the western side of the country to experience a wellness phenomenon like nowhere else. The Dead Sea is nearly 10 times saltier than the ocean, and with that saltiness comes some impressive wellness benefits.

The water of the Dead Sea contains ample minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, that are beneficial to the skin. The minerals are said to help reduce inflammation, while the salty water helps to detoxify the body.

As Eric Poole, director of marketing at Brand g Vacations, LGBT+ tour and cruise operator put it, the resorts surrounding the Dead Sea are also something to behold. “[There are] stunning 5-star resorts that front the sea—like the Kempinski Ishtar—offering large mounds of dark gray clay that you can apply to your face and body to remove toxins.”

Winter Fun

Whistler, British Columbia

Not everyone wants to run from winter. After all, we are Canadians, and braving the snow is in our blood. Whistler is a unique place in that it is a phenomenal destination all year long. When the soft, clean snow blankets the mountains, the town doesn’t sleep. It comes alive. After all, there is a reason the 2010 Vancouver Olympics chose Whistler as its spotlight. With endless winter activities, you won’t want to hide away inside.

Hit the slopes for some adrenaline-boosting skiing and snowboarding or try your hand at something new. Did you know you could learn to ice climb? An expert instructor will teach you how to climb on ice formations.

If you’re looking for something a little more traditional, take in the fresh mountain air and spectacular views on Whistler’s snowshoeing trails. You can even go winter ziplining in the old-growth forest. Back in the village, skate under the wide-open sky in Whistler Olympic Plaza.

Niseko, Japan

If you’re looking for a winter getaway that offers both outdoor adventure and an unforgettable cultural experience, look no further than Niseko, Japan. Located on Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido, Niseko is famous for its powdery, white snow—and is even said to have the best powder snow in the world. As they claim, Niseko snow is the perfect combination of quality, quantity and consistency. With the fluffy powder typically covering the mountains from November to March, this may just be the dream location for ski and snowboard enthusiasts.

You’ve spent the day powering up your muscles at Niseko’s four interlinked ski resorts, now it’s time to relax and experience traditional Japan. Visit one of the many onsen around Niseko. These public bathing facilities and hot springs are an integral part of Japanese culture. Experience the benefits of “toji,” the practice of relaxing in the geothermally heated, mineral-rich water.

Yoga

Ahangama, Sri Lanka

If you’re looking to feed your inner yogi, look no further than Sri Lanka. Neighbours to India, the birthplace of yoga, Sri Lanka has its own rich history in the spiritual practice. Sure, many of your yogi friends have probably gushed about their yoga retreats in Bali, and we can see why the lush, tropical vibe might be attractive. Well, we’re here to tell you that you can have all that in Sri Lanka too, but with a fraction of the tourists.

The truth is, Sri Lanka isn’t short on towns, cities and villages where you can indulge in a yoga practice. However, Ahangama is arguably one of the best. Ahangama is a small beach town on the southern coast of Sri Lanka with amazing restaurants, shops, views and activities. Also famous for its surfing, the town boasts an impressive number of yoga studios offering expertly led classes, courses and retreats. The relaxed atmosphere and tranquil seaside setting will help you dive deeper to absorb the full benefits of your practice.

Pilgrimages

Aussie Camino, Australia

Where better to go on a “pilgrimage” than the land down under, famous for the “walkabout.” The Aussie Camino, also known as the Mary MacKillop Way, is a 250-kilometre track from Portland, Victoria to Penola, South Australia. Unlike the famous pilgrimages you might find in Europe and Asia, this route isn’t abundant in modern comforts like accommodation or food stops, meaning booking a guided tour is a good option if you’re new to long treks. This is a great way to meet and connect with like-minded trekkers too.

One of the benefits of an off-the-beaten-path-style pilgrimage like this is the opportunity to disconnect from the busyness of your life and reconnect with nature. Cherish tenting along the way as you sleep under the stars and enjoy trekking through Australia’s natural wonders—from white-sand beaches to towering, rocky cliffs and then inland through farms and forests.

There are many famous pilgrimages that attract people from around the world. We’re talking the Camino de Santiago in Spain or the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal. But since we’re on the lookout for the “off-the-beaten-path” fitness and wellness locations, there is a newly rediscovered trail that should have your attention. The Wexford-Pembrokeshire Pilgrim Way is a 260-kilometre trail from Ferns, Ireland to St. Davids, Wales. If you’re good at geography, you might recognize that the Irish Sea separates these two locations. What’s special about this pilgrimage is that it is separated into nine stages with a ferry journey to the Pembrokeshire Coast in the middle.

This epic path exposes travellers to the rugged wilderness and rich cultural history of Ireland and Wales. Although your body will get a workout, your mind will relax in the natural beauty.

You may also like: Travel Features

Read This Story in Our 2024 Fall Fitness Issue
IMPACT Magazine Fall Fitness Issue 2024 featuring Canadian figure skating icon Elladj Baldé, Paralympic shot putter Greg Stewart, Indigenous rights trail running Anita Cardinal. Adventure travel with some amazing winter getaways, strengthen your back and hips, find the art of joyful movement, Inclusivity in the fitness industry and so much more!

Some might say that skating was in Baldé’s blood. His mother had been a skater in Russia in her youth, and so had his older sister, who was eager to one day teach him how to skate. Tragically, she passed away from leukemia at the age of seven, before she ever got the chance.

Born in Moscow to a Russian mother and a Guinean father, Baldé moved to Montreal with his family when he was just two years old, shortly after the loss of his sister. When Baldé turned six, his mom took him to an outdoor rink where he discovered his own love of skating, following in her footsteps and those of his late sister.

“I felt very comfortable very quickly,” he recalls. By the time he was six-and-a-half, he was already competing. He had a Russian coach to push him hard and the weight of the world on his small shoulders. “It was ingrained at a very young age—you skate in order to be the best. It’s not just for recreation. It’s not just for fun.”

As the 34-year-old explained, a lot of Russian people took their families out of poverty through skating, so the pressure to perform was immense from the onset. As a result, he immediately hated competing and would pray for delays on the way to competitions, hoping they would arrive too late to participate.

It all changed when he discovered jumping. He had a unique ability to land jumps that kids his age couldn’t match. When he incorporated these jumps into his performances, he started to win competitions. With each victory, his belief grew: this could be his path. He was destined to be a champion—an Olympic champion.

“That’s what I believed I was going to be and nothing less. A silver medal would have been devastating,” he says. “That’s a lot to carry as a kid who is just starting to skate.”

Through the years, the pressure continued to mount. His love of jumping—and his natural ability to do it well—carried him through the categories of the sport. Although he had medalled in and won competitions, none of that mattered to Baldé. It was to be Olympic champion or nothing.
He can clearly see the mental health implications such a mindset had through his pivotal years, but he also believes he needed that mindset to push himself and get the job done. Eventually, however, that mindset wasn’t enough.

Baldé had his first shot at the Olympics in 2014. It wasn’t just any Olympics though; it was the Winter Olympics in Sochi. It would have been perfect. Baldé would return to the country of his birth for the first time to compete for glory. He would finally reach that pinnacle of skating he had worked so hard to achieve. But he didn’t make the Olympic team.

“My entire self-worth and validation were built around this idea that I was going to be an Olympic champion, and when I started to realize maybe that wasn’t my path, things got pretty dark,” says Baldé.

The turning point in his life came after he competed in the 2015 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships. Not only did he place sixth, losing the competition he was confident he would excel in, but he didn’t even place high enough to make the national team.

At the same time, Baldé’s father was encouraging him to come to Africa to meet his 99-year-old grandfather, who was in ill health. After the loss at nationals, he decided to make the trip—a decision he says transformed his life.

He went to Africa, vowing not to step on the ice again until he found a deeper reason to perform. He skated to please his mom and his coaches. He skated to win. He skated to feel validation, and he skated to become an Olympian. But there was no motivation coming from within. That all changed on his trip.

Being around his family, he recognized their unconditional love and their connection to each other and to nature. Witnessing that deep connection in the mountains of Guinea, far from the world he knew and far from a cellphone signal, Baldé’s perspective changed. He realized there was something so much more important than his own goal of winning. No longer would he skate solely for the results. He would skate to tell his story and let his authentic self be free.

As a biracial skater, Baldé says he was forced to fit into a box during his career. He couldn’t dance to his favourite hip-hop music. He couldn’t wear the clothes he wanted to wear. He recalls he was told to cut his hair short because the judges wouldn’t like “curly, nappy hair.”
“I was giving parts of myself away for the sake of success.”

Now settled in Calgary, Baldé has found an outlet to share himself with the world. With the help of his now wife, Calgary native and professional choreographer Michelle Dawley, he has become a sensation on social media, expressing himself with the moves he wants in the place he feels most free—under the wide-open sky on the majestic frozen lakes in the Rocky Mountains.

“It opened me up in ways I never expected. It started to heal my relationship with skating,” he says.

Baldé faced another pivotal moment in 2020 after the murder of George Floyd. He connected with Black skaters around the world, and they shared their experiences in the sport. What they found was that regardless of where they came from—Australia, France, South Africa, Canada—they all shared similar stories of racial oppression.

It was then that Baldé and several of his skating colleagues founded the Figure Skating Diversity and Inclusion Alliance (FSDIA). The organization was founded to create a safe space for Black athletes and hold the sporting organizations accountable for their promises of inclusivity.

With the dream of bringing about even more change, in 2021 Baldé and Dawley created the Skate Global Foundation, a not-for-profit organization focusing on equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), mental health and climate change.

“Those are three things Michelle and I are extremely passionate about,” says Baldé, explaining that most of the projects have so far focused on EDI. “That’s where I feel I can have the most impact right now.”

One of the foundation’s first projects was partnering with a construction company in Calgary to refurbish an outdoor rink in an underserved community. The foundation is now working on a project to provide grants to competitive skaters of colour to alleviate the sport’s financial burden. As Baldé explains, it’s easy to get priced out of skating, and it often happens to families of colour. Grant applications closed in August 2024, with recipients to be selected in the coming months.

Baldé and Dawley have big ambitions for the Skate Global Foundation, and they want to expand operations to support more athletes. Baldé admits they have to be patient as they continue to build, as the kind of exposure and support they need won’t come overnight.
“This is important, so we’re going to start small and keep building and building,” he says.

Another passion project of Baldé and Dawley’s is the Art of Performance, their training camp for figure skaters. The camp touches upon the technical side of skating—the jumps, the spins, the skating skills—but the deeper intention is to create a safe space for young skaters to develop themselves as artists and allow them to tell their own stories.

The Art of Performance teaches skaters to embrace discomfort, helping them learn to cope with the pressures of competing in a judged sport. “You’re constantly in your head about what people are thinking. You constantly feel like you’re not good enough,” says Baldé about the toll competing can take on mental health. “We encourage [the skaters] to believe in themselves.”

The camp will be back at Winsport in Calgary in May of 2025 for the second year in a row, thanks to an incredible partnership with the Canadian Sport Institute Alberta (CSIAB), who teach the skaters off-ice essentials like nutrition, proper warm-ups and cool downs, mobility, strength and conditioning, and body positivity.

“The Art of Performance showcases how performance is not just about technical skill but also about emotion, creative storytelling, and expression,” says Kelly Quipp, exercise physiology lead and sport physiologist at CSIAB. “Elladj uses the Art of Performance to share his talent of pushing the boundaries of performance and inspires others to do the same.”

Baldé might not have set out to be a role model for skaters of colour but by shining the spotlight on inclusivity and mental health in the sport, he’s inspiring many and sparking big change in the world of skating.

Photography by Paul Zizka

You may also like: Cover Stories

Read This Story in Our 2024 Fall Fitness Issue
IMPACT Magazine Fall Fitness Issue 2024 featuring Canadian figure skating icon Elladj Baldé, Paralympic shot putter Greg Stewart, Indigenous rights trail running Anita Cardinal. Adventure travel with some amazing winter getaways, strengthen your back and hips, find the art of joyful movement, Inclusivity in the fitness industry and so much more!

MOST SCENIC RUNS

Avenue of the Giants Marathon
May | Humboldt Redwoods State Park, California

There are arguably hundreds of scenic marathons that could end up on this list, but with a route that takes runners along roads lined with
300-foot Redwood trees in California’s majestic Redwood Forest, it’s not hard to see why the Avenue of the Giants Marathon ended up on the list.

Running under a canopy of beautiful Redwoods, runners traverse a scenic and tranquil route that meanders along the Avenue of the Giants, a renowned stretch of Highway 101 known for its towering trees. Don’t worry about getting too hot, as the red giants provide shade for much of this double out-and-back race.

This race certainly takes the idea of forest bathing to an entirely new level. Bask in the soulful benefits of running in nature and cherish your beautiful surroundings as you push yourself to your limit.

Jungfrau Marathon
September | Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau Mountains, Switzerland

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more mystical marathon than the Jungfrau Marathon, which takes you on a gruelling yet sensational route through the Swiss Alps.

You’re not likely to get a PB here, and beginners beware, as this marathon is sure to test your limits. Although the route starts relatively flat for the first 10 kilometres, by the end, runners will climb 1,953 metres, finishing the race at an altitude of 2,320 metres. To put that into perspective, Canada’s highest community is Lake Louise at 1,600 metres.

Despite the challenging route and high-altitude conditions, the Jungfrau Marathon is simply magical, with scenery that makes the entire run worth it. Runners are treated to panoramic views of meadows, alpine lakes, and cascading waterfalls, with the iconic peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau as a backdrop to the marathon.

Ha Long Bay Heritage Marathon
November | Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Vietnam—it’s a traveller’s dream. A country with such a rich culture, world-famous cuisine, bustling cities and pristine landscapes, this isn’t just the location of a marathon. It’s the location of the trip of a lifetime. Considered one of the new seven natural wonders of the world,
Ha Long Bay is comprised of more than 1,500 islands and islets famous for the limestone pillars that rise from the Gulf of Tonkin.

With such rich biodiversity and geological interest, it’s hard to think of a cooler place to run a marathon. Each stride takes runners through the UNESCO World Heritage Site, a landscape adorned with caves, lush forests, tranquil waters and impressive limestone cliffs. This scenic route doesn’t just take runners on a physical journey, it takes them on a journey of discovery that won’t soon be forgotten.

BEST BOOZY RUNS

Half Corked Marathon
May | Osoyoos, B.C.

Canadians are lucky to have such a stunning and enchanting wine region to call their own. If you’ve never made the trip to B.C.’s wine region, this is the perfect opportunity. The Half Corked Marathon is a unique run through the vineyards and valleys of the Okanagan River.

Winery stations are set up along the route, so participants can sample the delicious wines of the region as they go, and, of course, there is also a finish-line party with even more wine. Is there anything more motivating than a wine-fuelled party?

As much fun as a boozy run with wine samples and stunning views is, it’s made even better by the fact that creative costumes are encouraged, with prizes awarded for the best individual and team costumes. So, gather your friends and get training because this annual event is not one to miss.

Penticton Beer Run
October | Penticton, B.C.

Named Canada’s craft beer capital by Lonely Planet in 2020, Penticton, B.C. is the perfect place to join a beer run. Participants choose to run six or 10 kilometres along the Kettle Valley Rail Trail in the Okanagan Valley—a truly beautiful stretch of land.

If the stunning scenery of this run doesn’t motivate you, surely the fact that runners will enjoy tastings at 10 local breweries will. This is the perfect opportunity to get the whole gang together for a day of fun. Dress up in an outrageous costume, sample the local flavours of the Okanagan and enjoy a spectacularly fun post-race event.

The cherry on top of this already pretty spectacular race is that partial proceeds from ticket sales are donated to the Youth Outdoor Recreation Programs, encouraging youth to focus on more green time and less screen time.

Beer Lover’s Marathon
May | Liège, Belgium

The Belgians are known for their beer, so of course they throw one epic beer race. Each year, people from around the world flock to Liège, also home to the Belgian waffle, to partake in the run that also sees them sampling 16 different Belgian beers.

If sampling beer isn’t enough, each year follows a theme to really amp up the party vibes. The 2024 Belgium Beer Lover’s Marathon theme? Prohibition. The ironic choice in theme will see runners dressed up in Gatsby-inspired attire enjoying speakeasies and an incredibly fun after-party.

This is the perfect marathon to travel to because not only is there a stellar pasta party on the day before the event but on the Monday following the marathon, runners can join a guided tour of Liège, which of course includes a farewell drink scheduled into the itinerary.

BEST POST-RACE PARTIES & FESTIVALS

Bay to Breakers
May | San Francisco, California

With the Bay to Breakers 12-kilometre run, you’re getting a lot more than just a race—you’re getting a wildly fun experience.

The race began in 1912 with less than 150 runners to raise spirits following the 1906 earthquake that devastated the city. Now all these years later, tens of thousands flock to the hilly streets of San Fran dressed in colourful, wacky and outrageous costumes (we’ve even heard rumours of people running in their birthday suits), and tens of thousands more come to cheer on those participating in the event.

The race is undoubtedly vibrant, so it’s no surprise that the post-race festival is something to behold. It’s a testament to San Francisco’s cultural mosaic, featuring live music, dance performances, and spontaneous street parties that reflect the city’s unique spirit of inclusivity and celebration.

Rock ’n’ Roll Nashville Half Marathon
April | Nashville, Tennessee

If anyone knows how to throw a good post-race party, it’s going to be Nashville—the Music City. Before runners even cross the line, they can revel in the party atmosphere because there are live music stations along the race route.

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Half Marathon course is enough to get runners pumped up, hitting iconic landmarks such as Broadway, Music Row, The Gulch and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

But when runners do cross the finish line, that’s when the event really kicks off, celebrating more of what Nashville has to offer. Set against the backdrop of the Music City’s downtown, runners and spectators alike come together to enjoy top-notch performers taking the stage at the post-race party. Grab a drink, toast the day’s accomplishments and soak in the lively atmosphere of the true Nashville experience.

Love Trails Festival
July | South Wales, United Kingdom

There’s running. There’s adventure. There’s a music festival? Yes, you read that correctly. The Love Trails Festival on the Gower Peninsula in South Wales has everything a runner could want packed into this four-day festival of fun.

Runners can choose to run a five-kilometre, 10-kilometre, half-marathon, ultra or multi-day race, and when the sun goes down, the party begins with an exciting line-up of live musicians, bands and DJs across four stages. There are even secret pop-up events happening all weekend.

It doesn’t stop at running and music either. There is a full program of adventure activities, like stand up paddleboarding, hiking, surf lessons, rock climbing and more, as well as talks, films, and movement activities like yoga, martial arts, meditation, strength and conditioning.

One thing is for sure—this jam-packed weekend is one you won’t soon forget.

BEST KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS

RunDisney® Kids Races
September | Anaheim, California

It doesn’t get much more kid-friendly than a fun run at the happiest place on earth — Disneyland!

Hosted by your kid’s favourite friends from Disney and Pixar’s Cars, the “Git-R-Done” runDisney® Kids Races is the perfect event for kids to get out that never-ending energy. This event is for kids ages nine and under, and the little ones will go home with their very own finisher medal. There is even a Diaper Dash for the crawlers.

Disney is a huge advocate for kids (and adults) being active. With fun runs for the kiddos and more challenging runs like 5-kilometre, 10-kilometre, and marathons for the “kid” in all of us, there is something for everyone in the family at Disney. Experience the magic and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

CASA Superhero Run
September | Austin, Texas

Dress up, show up and get ready to have some serious fun! Bursting with energy and excitement, runners don their favourite superhero costumes, transforming the streets into a spectacle of capes and masks. Runners choose to show off their fabulous attire in either
a 5-kilometre walk/run or a 1-mile kid run.

The race doesn’t just encourage physical activity and camaraderie amongst youngsters; there is also a deserving cause behind the event. CASA, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates, speaks up for children who’ve been abused or neglected by empowering the community to volunteer as advocates for them in the court system. The CASA Superhero Run helps raise money and awareness for this great cause—just another reason to sign up!

Spartan Races
Various dates | Various locations in North America

Your little one can become a spartan, just like you. Spartan Races have a fun and safe age-appropriate obstacle course experience for children aged four to 14, with the challenge increasing for the older kids.

Just like with any Spartan Race, it’s sure to be an epic experience. There will be running, jumping, climbing, and crawling, so your little ones will walk away with grit, toughness and a day full of memories.

It’s always a fun time for the kids to get outside and get active, but there is also glory on the line. Kids 10 to 14 years old compete to earn special medals for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, although all finishers regardless of age do receive Spartan Kids swag they can proudly show their family and friends.

MOST EXTREME RACES

The 4 Deserts Ultramarathon Series
Various dates | Chile, Mongolia, Namibia, Antarctica

The marathon is as the name suggests—a race of four deserts across the globe, currently comprises the Atacama Crossing in Chile, the Gobi March in Mongolia, the Namib Race in Namibia and the Last Desert in Antarctica.

This is a race sure to push you to your absolute limits. The race takes place over seven days, and runners will traverse 250 kilometres across these famous and unforgiving deserts, battling extreme weather from plummeting temperatures to sweltering heat. Runners traverse vast expanses of arid landscapes, confronting towering dunes, rocky plateaus and long stretches of relentless sun exposure.

This is a race that is about more than just crossing the finish line. It is about pushing past mental and physical blocks, embracing the natural world in all its raw forms, and discovering inner strength.

The Western States ® 100-Mile Endurance Run
June | Olympic Valley to Auburn, California

Often regarded as the pinnacle of ultra-distance trail running, The Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run is considered the oldest 100-mile trail race in the world. The course begins in the Olympic Valley and winds through the traditional lands of the Nisenan, Washoe and other neighbouring Indigenous Peoples. Climbing more than 18,000 feet and descending nearly 23,000 feet, runners are truly put to the
test before crossing the finish line in Auburn, California.

Along the way, runners will traverse remote wilderness, picturesque meadows, dense forests, and soaring mountain passes, facing extreme physical and mental challenges as they battle fatigue, altitude and unpredictable weather conditions.

The Western States 100-mile run offers legendary competition for runners from around the world, all vying for the sport’s most coveted prize possession—a sub-24-hour silver belt buckle and a sub-30-hour bronze belt buckle.

Dacia UTMB Mont-Blanc
August – September | France, Italy, Switzerland

Several of our IMPACT Contributors have competed in this goliath of a race. One of the most famous trail races in the world, the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, better known as UTMB, is a 171-kilometre race through the Alps. Beginning in Chamonix, France, runners traverse into Italy
and Switzerland before returning to France to finish the epic journey.

A route usually hiked in 10 to 12 days, runners have to finish the UTMB in less than 46.5 hours. It may sound like a daunting task, but Jim Walmsley set the record for the fastest time in 2023, crossing the finish line at 19:37:43. Unsurprisingly, nearly half of all participants do not finish, but don’t let that little fact deter you. For ultra-trail runners, this truly is a once-in-a-lifetime, unforgettable experience, and the majestic scenery of the Alps will motivate you to keep pushing.

You May Also Like – Winter Mountain Adventures

Read This Story in Our 2024 Running Issue
Featuring Canadian Olympic, National & North American Marathon Record holder Cameron Levins. Run your way around the world with some cool, quirky and unconventional races. Train for 10 km right up to a marathon – plus a 25 km trail run and 70.3 program. Strength workouts for runners, spice it up to improve your performance and so much more.

From the majestic Rocky Mountains to the vibrant urban landscapes, Canada boasts an array of outdoor skating rinks that offer not just a fun activity but an immersive experience into the heart of winter. Here is IMPACT Magazine’s Top 10 list of the best outdoor skating rinks across Canada that promise an enchanting journey on ice.

1. Lake Louise,
Banff National Park, Alberta

People from around the world flock to Lake Louise to take in the iconic alpine waters and mountain views. And although the lake is stunning in the summer, it is transformed when the temperatures drop. Skating on the frozen lake amidst the majestic Rocky Mountains is an experience straight out of a postcard. The vastness of the frozen lake and the snow-capped peaks make this rink an unparalleled gem.

 
2. The Shipyard Commons Skate Plaza,
North Vancouver, British Columbia

Set against the stunning backdrop of the waterfront, downtown Vancouver and the North Shore mountains, this free seasonal outdoor skating rink is the perfect place to bask in some urban holiday charm. Skaters don’t have to worry about bundling up too much as they enjoy the milder west coast weather while taking in the festive ambiance at the largest outdoor skating rink in B.C.

3. Lake Windermere Whiteway,
Windermere, British Columbia

Skate the world’s longest skating trail, The Lake Windermere Whiteway. This remarkable winter attraction is in the Columbia Valley, offering panoramic mountain views and a truly one-of-a-kind Canadian experience. With an extensive network of well-maintained ice trails spanning more than 30 kilometres, the Whiteway winds its way across the frozen surface of Lake Windermere, connecting the communities of Invermere and Windermere.

4. The Forks,
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Located at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, The Forks is a historic meeting place that transforms into a winter wonderland. The skating rink at The Forks is not confined to a traditional arena, but rather, encompasses the frozen rivers, creating an expansive natural skating surface. Skaters can glide through the heart of Winnipeg, taking in the scenic views of the city skyline and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.

5. Lily Lake,
Saint John, New Brunswick

If you’re looking for a quintessential Canadian experience, look no further than Lily Lake. Situated in Rockwood Park, the popular spot surrounded by forest and nature transforms into an outdoor skating rink when temperatures dip, perfect for a game of ice hockey, new skaters or those well accustomed to the ice. While you’re there, check out the walking trail along the lake, which is lit up at night.

6. Bannerman Park Rink,
St. John’s, Newfoundland

A true winter wonderland in Canada’s east, the iconic Bannerman Park Rink is a can’t-miss when it comes to outdoor skating rinks. Nestled in the heart of historic St. John’s, this charming rink is one of Newfoundland’s best skating destinations. The area is a cherished green space in the summer months, and it transforms into a winter oasis surrounded by snow-covered trees and the colourful facades of St. John’s famous row houses. The well-maintained ice surface and ample space cater to both experienced skaters and newbies alike.

Emera Oval,
Halifax, Nova Scotia

This outdoor rink is a true gem for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting the equivalent size of three NHL rinks. The Emera Oval not only offers free skating but also free rentals and breathtaking views of the Halifax skyline. Skaters of all ages flock to the Oval for winter fun. The rink hosts various events too, from casual skating sessions to themed nights and learn-to-skate programs. It truly is a space for all to enjoy.

8. Nathan Phillips Square,
Toronto, Ontario

We couldn’t have a list of the best outdoor rinks without mentioning Nathan Phillips Square. An iconic spot in Toronto for nearly 60 years, the vibrant lights and the energy of downtown make this rink a must-visit during the winter months. Skating by the illuminated Toronto sign is an experience that captures the city’s essence, with the iconic Toronto City Hall providing a stunning backdrop for this rink.

9. Rideau Canal Skateway,
Ottawa, Ontario

The world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink, the Rideau Canal Skateway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that sees an estimated 19,000 people a day during the winter months. Stretching over 7.8 kilometres, it winds its way through downtown Ottawa stretching to Dows Lake. Skaters can enjoy hot chocolate from the stands along the canal while taking in the sights of Canada’s capital. It doesn’t get more Canadian than this!

10. Kiwanis Memorial Park,
Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan

In the heart of Moose Jaw lies the Kiwanis Memorial Park, home to a delightful outdoor skating rink. Surrounded by twinkling lights and nestled within a beautiful park setting, this rink offers a serene and picturesque experience. Skaters can revel in the natural beauty while gliding across the ice, making it an ideal spot for both recreational skating and leisurely strolls around the park’s scenic pathways.

Place d’Youville,
Quebec City, Quebec

The historic charm of Quebec City amplifies during the winter months. The iconic Old Town, with its cobblestone streets and centuries-old buildings are magical under a dusting of snow. And the Place d’Youville skating rink is no exception. Nestled amidst the old city walls and surrounded by quaint buildings, this rink immerses skaters in a European-like setting. Skaters will feel like they are far from home as they take in the charming atmosphere and winter vibes.

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Read This Story in Our 2024 Inspiration Issue
Read about our 2024 Canada’s Top Fitness Trainers – our top 30 from across Canada! How to Hire a Personal Trainer, The Dangers of Overtraining, Return to Running After Illness, Easy Vegan Garlic Noodles and more!

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Evans, 37, had an unconventional way of finding his path to running. Back in 2012, feeling some pain in his hip, he made an appointment to see his doctor to get it checked out.

“That doctor said, ‘Mr. Evans, you are fat. You have two options: lose weight or die,” Evans recalls of his visit, explaining that the doctor told him he had to start walking to lose weight. “I responded, ‘Screw you and screw walking; I’m going to run a marathon.’”

According to Evans, the doctor warned him that running a marathon could be dangerous at his weight (approximately 360 pounds at the time), but as he explains, that was the last straw in his experience with “fatphobia,” something he had put up with for much of his life. When he was in high school, he was not able to play football, something he was deeply passionate about, as he was over the weight limit. He was tired of being told he couldn’t do something because of his weight.

“I started running and have been running since then,” says Evans.

Since that appointment in 2012, Evans has run eight marathons, including New York City and Marine Corps, and he has competed in hundreds of races.

However, his journey to his first marathon was not an easy one. It wasn’t just a matter of learning how to run, there were other challenges that Evans faced.

“When it came to understanding what eating for fuel was or how to hydrate, it was very difficult because I had nothing to go off of for someone my size,” he says, adding that it was even a challenge to find running clothes and running shoes as a larger individual.

Even after overcoming the numerous obstacles and challenging training regime, Evan’s first marathon was a bittersweet experience. On one hand, he felt proud and excited, his hard work paying off. On the other hand, however, it wasn’t the usual excited cheering from spectators that acted as the soundtrack to Evans’ race. As he ran, he experienced constant heckling from the driver of the sweeper vehicle. Many times in his last few miles, the driver would encourage him to quit and get into the van.

But Evans was determined, and despite the heckling, no one could take away his accomplishment as he crossed that finish line in just over seven hours.

“I had this sense of accomplishment; I still did it. I did it and I kept going, and I didn’t quit. So, I was very happy about it.”

For Evans, running isn’t about being the best or the fastest, and in his experience being an atypical runner, he realized that there were others out there like him. So, he founded the Slow AF Run Club, a space for all types of people to feel included. As he puts it, there was a hole in the running community—no one championing the back of the pack.

The group started off with around 40 people, but when the pandemic hit and the Slow AF Run Club began holding virtual races, the numbers skyrocketed, with 4,000 to 5,000 people running their races.

With a large uptick in people who wanted to run due to quarantine and isolation but didn’t know how, Slow AF Run Club became a safe haven for runners of all types to explore their passion on the pavement.

“Running has given me so much. It brings me into spaces I might never have gone otherwise and has made me do things I’ve never done before,” says Evans. “I really just appreciate and love running. It’s my thing. It makes me feel free.”

But Evans wasn’t done making an impact. In June of this year, he released his first book, Slow AF Run Club: The Ultimate Guide for Anyone Who Wants to Run.

“I wrote the book because there was nothing like it—no resource out there for runners like me,” he says.

As a run coach himself, Evans noticed when working one-on-one with new clients, they all had the same questions when starting out.

“The funny thing was, they were all questions that I asked when I first started running too,” he says. “‘Should you run for speed or distance? Do you eat before a run? If you do, what do you eat?’ I felt there was just a hole in running literature that needed to be filled. Since my ethos is about being the change, I brought the change.”

And Evans intends to continue to “bring the change” to the running community and encourage anyone who wants to run for the sheer joy of it. 

Photography by – Drew Reynolds

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Read This Story in Our 2023 Fall Fitness & Food Issue
Featuring this year’s winners of the Amazing Race Canada, Ty Smith and Kat Kastner on our cover. Inside our latest issue, you’ll find all the inspiration you need to carry you through the autumn season. From delicious high-protein recipes and how to resist the crunch of potato chips to running through the high peaks of the Colorado Rockies and the latest in nutrition and fitness, these pages are packed with expert knowledge and advice.

As a young girl growing up on a grain farm and bison ranch in the small Alberta town two hours east of Edmonton, Jackson, 34, had what she endearingly calls “a lot of outdoor energy.” 

Besides putting that energy towards farm chores, Jackson’s mom decided to put her in all the sports possible. 

“When you come from a small town, if you become a sports kid, you basically have to play all the sports so that you have a team,” Jackson says with a laugh. “So, that’s what I did.” 

The list of sports she was involved in reads like a shopping list: soccer, volleyball, track and field, gymnastics, ballet, and jazz. A proud “yes-person,” Jackson has always loved trying new things and further to that, she loves mastering them. 

“A lot of what I learned from the farm is if you want something to happen, then you work hard to do it. That’s the lifestyle of a farmer. You’re your own boss; you manage your own time and effort.” 

Jackson continued to pursue her passion for activity and the outdoors by relocating to British Columbia for university, where she added rock climbing, caving, various snow sports and sailing to her already long list of activities. 

With an interest in learning to surf and wanting to become a stronger swimmer so she could spend all day in the water without drowning, Jackson hit the water to practice her strokes. 

At the same time, she was running to prepare for a trek in the Indian Himalayas, and after a visit home to Vermilion, she picked up an old Canadian Tire bike that a farm employee had left behind, and she rode it 20 kilometres into town. 

It was at this time that someone asked Jackson if she was training for a triathlon, something she had never heard of but that immediately piqued her interest. Back in British Columbia, she found a small triathlon club and went with them to a race where she qualified for the amateur World Championships. 

The Vermilion native found her way to competing in sports later than many others surrounding her, but she chooses not to see that as a hindrance.  

“Do well with what you have now,” is Jackson’s life motto. 

“We might think some people have more advantages than us in something but instead of looking at all [our] disadvantages, try to look at what’s really good and then exploit that.” 

And she did just that by joining local swim, cycle and run clubs in British Columbia to advance her skills. At this time, she was offered a running scholarship to Trinity Western University, where  she became quite a good runner. She competed as a runner, winning the Canada West Championships in 3000 metres before competing in her first local bike race, which she also won. 

“I just wanted to be a pro athlete,” says Jackson. “I have had the Olympic dream since I was a kid.” 

Jackson didn’t see a future in triathlons as she admits her swimming wasn’t strong enough. Decidedly, she had to choose between pursuing running or cycling as her professional career, but when she was offered her first professional cycling contract in 2015, the choice was made for her. 

“I thought, alright, I’m going to go all in and see what happens,” she says. 

And what happened is that Jackson was not only fulfilling her dream of being a professional athlete, she was beginning to thrive. While with her first team, TWENTY16, Jackson won stages at the Tour Cycliste Féminin International de l’Ardèche and the Trophée d’Or Féminin. 

For her 2017 season, Jackson joined BePink Cogeas, a cycling team based in Italy, and then moved to TIBCO-Silicon Valley Bank in 2018, a team owned by another Jackson—retired Canadian professional cyclist Linda Jackson. 

Jackson continued to add to her accolades, winning the second stage of the 2019 Women’s Tour of Scotland and receiving a last-minute spot for the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics due to a late race withdrawal. She placed 32nd, seven minutes behind the gold medalist, but the result wasn’t everything. Another life-long dream had been achieved. Jackson was now an Olympian. 

With a few more years of shuffling between teams, she found her way back to the now-named EF Education-TIBCO-SVB at the end of her 2022 season, announcing her return to the team in typical Jackson style—with a dance. 

Besides her accomplishments in sport, Jackson is well known on social media for busting out her moves on camera wherever the opportunity presents itself. Always the entertainer and an avid storyteller, Jackson brings people together with her exuberant personality. 

“In the world of cycling and in women’s cycling in particular, she is paving the path for other people to be comfortable putting themselves out there to say, ‘I can be my own person and craft my own trade,’” says Adam Pulford, Jackson’s coach. 

According to Pulford, Jackson’s atypical cycling persona is also working to improve the visibility of women’s cycling in Canada, and with more visibility comes more support and opportunity for Canadian women to compete at a high level. 

When Jackson’s career in cycling first began, her mother would have to source information on the races from the most obscure Twitter accounts, and for a long time, the only women’s cycling event of note that many Canadians were aware of was the Olympics. 

“Cycling as a sport, there’s such a disparity between men’s and women’s events,” says Jackson, citing  that when she competed in triathlons or running events, all events were the same distance with the same prestige for men and women, and the men were equally interested in the outcome of the women’s events.  

However, in the world of cycling, wages, prestige, race distances and TV coverage differ greatly for the competing genders. Although this is improving and Jackson’s mom no longer has to tune into her daughter’s races via obscure Twitter accounts, there is still a way to go for the sport to be considered equal. 

Another step towards that equality was celebrated this year at the third edition of the Paris-Roubaix Femme. The Paris-Roubaix is one of the oldest cycling races in the world, dating back to 1896. The race was finally given a women’s counterpart in 2021. 

Aptly named the Hell of the North, it is one of the most famous cycling races due to the notoriously difficult riding conditions. Riders must brave treacherous terrain and cobblestones as they push their bodies to the very limits. 

At 1:35 p.m. on April 8, 2023, under the sombre, cloudy skies, Jackson took to the starting line of the Paris-Roubaix Femme, surrounded by 139 racers. 

Competitors would race 145.5 kilometres along the French roads with 17 cobbled sectors of varying difficulty to tackle. Conditions were dry, but heavy rains the day before left some of the roads wet, adding to the complexity of the race. 

Jackson was among a group of 18 riders to break away in the opening stages of the race, which also included British national champion Alice Towers and Elynor Backstedt, daughter of 2004 Paris-Roubaix champion, Magnus Backstedt. 

Jackson remained in the leading group for the entire 145.5-kilometres, with seven riders duking it out in the final stage—the velodrome. As they neared the finish line, French rider Marion Borras led the pack, Jackson in second. They came around the final bend, and Jackson put everything she had left into powering her pedals, narrowly crossing the line to finish first, securing her name in history as the only North American rider to win the famed cobblestone-like “rock” trophy.  

“It’s every cycling fan’s favourite race,” says Jackson. “There’s no other race like it, and the type of person that wins is always really resilient, determined and tough. All these characteristics you get associated with by winning the race, it’s a real honour to be in that.” 

Coming out of what she considers the biggest win of her career, Jackson is more motivated than ever, and her coach is there by her side to keep pushing her limits. 

Pulford, who is located in Washington, D.C., uses an app to communicate with Jackson on her training program. He schedules between 18 and 22 hours of training each week, including sessions on the bike, core-focused sessions and strength training. And, of course, knowing the Canadian well, he also schedules some dancing. 

Although Jackson is currently based in Girona, Spain, she always returns home to Canada a few times a year, both to race in the Canadian National Championships in early summer and to keep up her status as “super-fun aunt.” 

And for Jackson, whilst she may have raced around the world in countries across Asia and Europe and even in the land down under, she still considers Abbotsford and Chilliwack, B.C. her favourite places to ride. 

“I think a lot of the times we dream of going to, like, Italy and other places to ride bikes, but actually, Canada is really awesome,” says Jackson, and there is no doubt that Canada feels the same about her. 

Canadians will be happy to hear that our superstar from the West has no plans of slowing down. 

“After coming out of this win, it just makes me dream bigger dreams and think, what else is possible?” says Jackson. “I just love what I get to do. I love racing. I love the chaos.”

“I’m going to do it as long as I love it, and as long as I can be a difference maker to my team, it makes me want to stay in the sport.” 

List of Professional Victories

Photography by Todd Duncan

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Read This Story in Our 2023 Summer Outdoor & Travel Issue
Featuring Alison Jackson, Canadian cyclist and only North American male or female to win the famed Paris Roubaix. Travel the country’s most stunning hot spots by campervan. Become a better trail running by improving your ascents and descents—plus, train outdoors with Canada’s Top Fitness Trainers. Enjoy plant-based summer recipes and so much more.