TORONTO February 3rd 2015. Three years ago, we introduced a new ambassador program at Canada Running Series called the Digital Champions. Our goal was to build an online community of support for runners as they trained for the Toronto Yonge Street 10K and Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. The Digital Champions were, and still are the anchors of this community, sharing their training journeys, inspiring others, and bringing runners together, both online and off.
Today we are excited to introduce 12 Digital Champion alumni who have been with us for the past three years and will now serve as Canada Running Series Community Leaders. These runners will be out in the community all year long, sharing our mission of “building community through running.” You will see them at our races in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, and you can connect with them anytime online via social media.
Please join us in welcoming our Canada Running Series Community Leaders!
Jean Paul Bedard
A veteran of over 100 marathons and ultra-marathons, and a member of the STWM Platinum Club, Jean Paul will be completing a Triple Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon in the fall to raise awareness for the #BeenRapedNeverReported Campaign. Connect with Jean Paul on Twitter, Instagram and his blog.
Andrew Chak
A regular columnist for iRun Magazine and blogger on iRun.ca, Andrew started running when his wife signed him up for a 10K and hasn’t looked back since! His greatest satisfaction is seeing others take the first step in their own running journeys. Connect with Andrew on Twitter, Instagram, and his blog.
William Chaupiz – A leader in the Toronto running community, William heads up the Night Terrors Run Crew, a group for both beginner and seasoned runners to explore the city on their feet. There are no boundaries for the Night Terrors and they can also be found in Los Angeles and Miami. Connect with William on Twitter and Instagram.
Alyssa Cheung
Alyssa began running 2 years ago and completed her first 42.2K at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 2013. Running is more than just exercise for Alyssa, it’s a lifestyle and it’s taught her that nothing is impossible with hard work, perseverance, and amazing supporters. Connect with Alyssa on Twitter, Instagram and her blog.
Christa Davidson
Christa added running into her life in 2011 as an outlet to heal from alcohol addiction. She credits running and the social media community as major factors in her recovery. Christa is a regular columnist at iRun Magazine and loves connecting through social media. Connect with Christa on Twitter, Instagram, and her blog.
Lisa Davidson
An age category winner 3 years in a row at the Oasis ZooRun 5K, Lisa has run every distance from 5K to the marathon. What started as a hobby 7 years ago has become such a huge part of who Lisa is and she hopes to inspire athletes of any age to “redefine their impossible.” Connect with Lisa on Twitter, Instagram and her blog.
Heather Gardner
With nearly two decades of experience in the fitness industry, Heather is a marathon runner, indoor cycling coach, yoga teacher, and triathlete. She is also the founder of Tribe Fitness, a Toronto fitness community sweating for social good, and enjoys supporting runners, yogis, and cyclists of every level set as they rock their fitness goals. Connect with Heather on Twitter, Instagram, and her blog.
JP Hernandez
Since 2013, JP has been running in races on the streets of Toronto as The Dark Knight Runner, raising money for the hospital that saved his life many years ago, Sick Kids. He is honoured and proud to have been asked to be a Community Leader by Canada Running Series. Connect with JP on Twitter, Instagram and his blog.
Steve Layton
Steve used to eat too much and work long hours until his unhealthy lifestyle caught up with him. Over the past 5 years he’s changed jobs, sleep habits and his diet and is a proud member of the running community! Honoured to be part of the Community Leaders Program, Steve strives to encourage others to test their boundaries and try running. Connect with Steve on Twitter, Instagram and his blog.
Jodi Lewchuk
Believe” is a word that Jodi has truly come to understand through running. It inspired her to tackle her first 42.2K race, the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, which she finished in Boston-qualifying time. Jodi hopes that by sharing her story and love of running, she might encourage others to run their way to their best selves. Connect with Jodi on Twitter and Instagram.
Linda Nguyen
An avid runner and obstacle course racer, Linda’s love of running started on the high school track where she was a competitive runner and hurdler. A marathon is on her bucket-list this year and as her running journey continues, she hopes to inspire others to live a healthy and active lifestyle. Connect with Linda on Twitter, Instagram and her blog.
Cory Pagett
Cory first laced up in 2008 and was immediately caught up in the spirit of the running community. Since then, Cory has increased his running distances, as well as his fundraising efforts for a variety of causes that add meaning to his miles. Cory also seeks to promote the benefits running has on mental health and is grateful for each day that his feet feel the earth beneath them. Connect with Cory on Twitter and Instagram.
Learn more about our Canada Running Series Community Leaders here.
