78 DOMINIQUE NARCISSE 49, Montreal » I remember being unable to run seven laps around the park when my son Ali would train me. On my 46th birthday, Ali was murdered—it was January 11, 2014. That September, I ran my first half marathon in his memory. Running has been my therapy—it has saved my life.
79 STEPHEN LAST 39, Cornwall » Five years ago, I was 465 pounds with high blood pressure. Two years ago this May I had reached 290 pounds and was walking 10-15 kilometres a day. I caught the running bug from a friend, and by April the following year I ran a half marathon. Something I never fathomed I would be capable of is now something I love.
80 AL 77 LINDA DIX-COOPER 32, Montreal » When I run... / My dominant leaping leopard, free flying saucy minx comes out to play. / With each intentionally placed silky sole strike, darting past lush BC moss and short sharp stumps, I grow stronger, more free, more alive. / I’m on fire (and not just my calves!) / Always looking ahead strategically to the next bend, keeping on my toes joyfully—I’ll take an opportunity that presents itself, or I will make a bold facetious move myself! / The trails treat me like one of their own, a forest nymph. / In their shadows and up and downs, is where this strong heart grows. / For days afterward, the cool, clear, sparkling river flows. Where will it take me? Nobody knows.
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THOMPSON 62, Ottawa » Running is not fun. That’s why I joined the Ottawa Hash House Harriers 17 years ago. We are a drinking club with a running problem, which we indulge in Ottawa every Monday evening at 7:00 p.m., every second Thursday, and on full moons. Our big event is always on July 1st and this year we are hosting 150 runners for our annual Red Dress Run. If you happen to be in Ottawa on Canada Day and see 150 men and women running through the streets in red dresses, don’t be afraid to say hi.
81 CODY CALLON 34, Vancouver » Running has given me the gift of connection. It has helped me to develop a healthy connection with my body, close connections with the friends I regularly run with, connection to an inspiring and supportive run community through Fraser Street Run Club, and connection to my city and nature as I explore the streets and trails around Vancouver.