Trying to get under the two-hour mark? Looking for a running buddy to keep you motivated through your race? Pacers are a great resource for runners to help maintain pace, keep you motivated, and maybe push you towards that elusive new PB!
As in previous years, we will be offering a wider range of pace times to help keep you on track. So here they are, our 2023 ASICS Pacer Team at the Vancouver Half Marathon: Read More
Trying to get under the two-hour mark? Looking for a running buddy to keep you motivated through your race? Pacers are a great resource for runners to help maintain pace, keep you motivated, and maybe push you towards that elusive new PB!
As in previous years, we will be offering a wider range of pace times to help keep you on track. So here they are, our 2022 ASICS Pacer Team at the Vancouver Half Marathon:
Pace Time: 1:30
Name: Ellis (@run.ellis.run)
Why Ellis is pacing:
Since getting into running I have completed 2 world marathon majors (my goal is to run all six) and have taken my half marathon time from 1:40 to under 1:16. Although traditionally focused on the racing part I’m excited about the opportunity to give back to the community that has given me so much and trade racing duties for pacing duties. Running has given me a purpose, a career, and ambition to set audacious goals. I would be honoured to help others reach their goals by pacing.
Pace Time: 1:30
Name: Humphrey (@Humphreyontherun)
Why Humphrey is pacing:
I want to help pace runners from my run club and the community!
Pace Time: 1:40
Name: Emily (@emilysmac)
Why Emily is pacing:
In 2018, I ran my first marathon and I have been hooked ever since! I love running and want to give back to the incredible running community here in Vancouver! ♥️🎉
Pace Time: 1:45
Name: Julie (@Northshorepelly )
Why Julie is pacing:
I am a mom of two and running is my happy place. The sport and local running community has given me so much – and I love giving back to it. I am an avid marathoner, but the half-marathon, in my opinion, is the absolute best race distance! I am so excited to help others achieve a personal goal they didn’t think possible. Let’s go!
Pace Time: 1:45
Name: Julia (@jhawkinss)
Why Julia is pacing:
I am a previous UBC Track athlete that specialized in heptathlons and jumps (aka nothing over 800) but in my late 20s I discovered my love for marathon training! I adore the Vancouver running community and also recognize the importance of a strong pacer. It would be my honour to show some runners their way to a new PB. 🙂
Pace Time: 1:50
Name: Jill (@Westonjill)
Why Jill is pacing:
I’ve always wanted to pace and help people reach their goals – plus I’m super steady! I used to be a run coach and trainer with lots of passion for the community. Let’s GOOOOO!
Pace Time: 2:00
Name: Kate (@coach.kate_fitness)
Why Kate is pacing:
My name is Kate and I’m one of runnings biggest fans! I am a personal trainer, physiotherapist and group fitness instructor – I am great at motivating people working towards a fitness goal. I have always dreamt of being a pacer as so many pacers have motivated me to reach my time goal when running. 🙂
Pace Time: 2:00
Name: Ese (@essxkayy)
Why Ese is pacing:
I love running. I love running events! I would love to be on the pacer team as I love connecting with the running community and pushing through self limitations and barriers with friends. I think it would be fun to help people meet or beat their goals and run alongside them while they do it.
Pace Time: 2:10
Name: Rabih (@striderzclub)
Why Rabih is pacing:
I’m a certified personal trainer, group fitness instructor and running coach for the Striderz Club. Nothing makes me happier than helping and seeing runners crushing their goals and crossing the finish line within their target time. That’s why I want to be your pacer!
Pace Time: 2:10
Name: Karl (@karls20160815)
Why Karl is pacing:
I’m on my way to completing all six World Major Marathons! I would love to be a pacer at the Vancouver Half Marathon to motivate others & contribute to local race events like this.
Pace Time: 2:20
Name: Christy (@christybaker9779)
Why Christy is pacing:
Back for another year of Vancouver Half Marathon pacing! I am a mom of 2 and teach Physical Education at a West Van high school. I’d like to use this experience to encourage others to obtain their goals and to to inspire my students.
Pace Time: 2:20
Name: Harjinder (@Mrhdhaliwal )
Why Harjinder is pacing:
I’m a teacher that promotes active living. I have a running club at school and hopefully some of them will run their first half. If you’re looking to run a 2:20, I am responsible, energetic, and reliable!
Pace Time: 2:30
Name: Kat (@Katanacious )
Why Kat is pacing::
This is one of my favourite races. I have paced for Canada Running Series before and it is still one of my favourite running memories. I loved getting to talk to people as they ran their race and getting to support them. It was fun to make the race about cheering them on and helping them to reach their goals.
Pace Time: 2:30
Name: Shelley (@shelchen7)
Why Shelley is pacing:
As a proud member of the Canada Running Series Community Team, I would love the opportunity to represent them while also allowing others to achieve their goals!
All Pacers will be outfitted in shoes & athletic apparel from:
With the days flying off the calendar as we approach the new year (and new decade!) we’re taking a look back on our top moments of 2019.
This year was a special one for CRS as we celebrated our 30th edition as an organization. And since we couldn’t pick just ten moments, given the holiday spirit, we decided to go for a “12 Days of Christmas” style list.
We’ll highlight one moment each day until 2020 on our social channels. But if you’ve got time for some reading here they are all at once:
Closing the fundraising till at $$6,840,929, 2019 was our highest fundraising year yet across all events.
This one also goes out to everyone who runs and raises funds for a cause. This has truly been a community effort and we’re thankful to run with those who give back to their local communities.
This year, both the men’s and women’s all-comers records were broken by Philemon Rono in a time of 2:05:00 and by Magdalyne Masai-Robertson in a time of 2:22:16
These times were also the fastest marathons run on North American soil in 2019.
Congratulations Philemon and Magz!
In addition to the honour of hosting the Canadian Marathon Trials, both men’s and women’s Canadian Champions of TOwaterfront42K qualified for Tokyo2020.
Both Trevor and Dayna reached the qualifying time standard and are headed to Tokyo next year as part of Team Canada.
Did you know that this year we had a record-breaking number of record-breakers! That’s right. Officially, 14 Guiness World Records were broken at this year’s @ TOwaterfront42K.
Congratulations to all the new GWR record holders in 2019!
To help celebrate the 30th Edition of the Canada Running Series and Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon event we refreshed our look and created an entirely new social identity with the help of Origin agency.
You may have noticed we’re no longer using the STWM hashtag… this is intentional. As we welcome more and more international runners each year we moved to a tag and identity that more clearly indicate what our event is all about!
In 2019 we gave a big welcome to our new identity! Welcome, #TOwaterfront42K
We’re halfway there!
Tied to our rebrand, for us, Moment #6 of 2019 was celebrating our 30th Edition, not only of the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, but of the entire Canada Running Series!
For 30 years now we have been celebrating the community of running in Canada and working to get Canadian runners the recognition they deserve.
Athletes of all ages and abilities have been enjoying Canada Running Series events for over 30 years now and will continue to do so for many years to come.
Thank you to everyone who has run in our events or helped us in any capacity over the years.
We’re so happy for the opportunity of making your running dreams come true!
Yes, we have events other than TOwaterfront42k 😉 they’re freakin’ awesome, too!
We’ve been fortunate to have lululemon as an amazing race partner at the Toronto 10K for the past few years and this year, we were able to provide the gorgeous and most inspirational setting where two runners celebrated a very important life moment…
Some were lucky enough to witness a PROPOSAL at the step and repeat backdrop after the 10K this past June. Mango Peeler, Toronto artist-athlete, created a stunning mural for the event which was the perfect setting for this happy couple.
Runners enjoyed a 10K race along the waterfront with cheer stations every 1K and themed donuts at the end.
Another one bites the donut (dust).
It was an honour to have Charlie Dark, global lululemon ambassador and run crew founder, join us to share some inspirational messages at the lululemon Toronto 10K.
Charlie started running around 2006, when he was not confident enough to go to a gym on his own. He ran in the dark until his confidence grew. Now it has grown so much that he is able to travel to events and inspire other runners, and empower young people, to achieve their goals.
It is a pleasure to know Charlie and always a delight to hear him speak.
Fountain of Love and Life celebrated their 10-year anniversary as an official charity partner of the Scotiabank Charity Challenge at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon.
They had raised $451,295.32 this year, winning the highest fundraising charity category not only in Toronto, but nationally across 6 Scotiabank Charity Challenges in Canada.
To date, they have raised a total of $2,209,935.27
Let’s take a moment to recognize all the (M) champions from our 8 races across Canada this year.
Thanks for running with us and for flying through that finishing tape.
*Tristan is also the overall series winner of 2019.
Let’s take another moment to recognize the female champions of CRS events in 2019.
Thanks for running with us and for flying through that finishing tape.
*Rachel is also the overall series winner of 2019.
CRS had the most participants EVER (across all our events) in 2019.
With a whopping 69,045 participants across our series of events, this one is all on YOU. So, thanks for making this year of running in Canada a great one <3
—
That’s all for now, folks.
Thanks for all the good times this year. Have a happy and safe New Years and we’ll see you in 2020! ❤️
We’re excited to announce your 2019 Under Armour Eastside 10K Pacer team! This crew has been hand-picked from dozens of applications to ensure our runners are set-up to hit PBs and run their best on September 14th. Check them out, pick your favourite, and run with them on race day!
Pace Time: 40 minutes
Name: Vivian (@vdavidsonc)
A little about Vivian:
I love running and helping people so pacing allows me to combine both of these passions! I get a high helping people cross the finish line at a goal time and cheering/supporting them in the process.
Pace Time: 40 minutes
Name: Thomas (@tlane101)
A little about Thomas:
I was a first time pacer for West Van Run 5Km this year. I got a real buzz from the experience & looking forward to bringing that energy to the UA Eastside 10K!
Pace Time: 45 minutes
Name: Tommy (@looktommyrun)
A little about Tommy:
I ran the race last year and it was really fun. I paced a friend to a PR and would love to help runners in the community reach their goals for this race!
Pace Time: 45 minutes
Name: Liam (@liam_baird)
A Little about Liam:
I am extremely passionate about running, and absolutely love pacing others to reach their own goals. I know the course extremely well and know exactly how to help others run it too! We’ve all had a Pacer help us through a tough leg of a race before, and I want to return the favour.
Pace Time: 50 minutes
Name: Dora (@doravelazquez27)
A little about Dora:
I love this race but it’s a very difficult course to get a crazy good PB. If I don’t have to die and pace a group of chilled time it be more fun for me.
Pace Time: 50 minutes
Name: Jonathan (@jonathanichikawa)
A little about Jonathan:
I enjoy running and racing, and would like to help others celebrate their goals.
Pace Time: 55 minutes
Name: Melissa (@run.raven.run)
A Little about Melissa:
I enjoy running for fun and competition. I currently compete in road races from 5k to Marathon distance. I completed the Boston Marathon in April and will be running the Chicago Marathon this October. I have raced the Eastside 10k for the past three consecutive years and am excited to be a pacer this year!
Pace Time: 55 minutes
Name: Julie (@northshorepelly)
A little about Julie:
Running is my one true love. My one constant in life through ups and downs. It has given me so much and I love giving back to it. After a journey spanning almost a decade, I finally reached my running bucket list goal and qualified for the Boston Marathon. Until I run that on 4/20/2020, I’m enjoying doing shorter distance races and enjoying the running community.
Pace Time: 60 minutes
Name: Cassie (@Cassiepaul26.2)
A little about Cassie:
Running is my passion and I would love to be able to give back and help others achieve a time goal.
Pace Time: 60 minutes
Name: Gary (@northwestone_fixie)
A little about Gary:
I’ve been running for over 3 years now and am looking forward to pacing some runners. I train with mile2marathon and being part of it has made me stronger and faster…as of now am chasing my goal to qualify for Boston Marathon next year. In the meantime, it’s an honour to be a pacer for this awesome race.
Pace Time: 65 minutes
Name: Hannah (@itsfoggin)
A little about Hannah:
My friends’ comments on my race photos speak to it: “you look so happy!” It brings me joy to run, to explore my city, to have running be a place of deep conversation with friends or some training days to focus on nothing but the sounds of my feet on the ground and the waves hitting rocks along the Vancouver seawall. I run with a smile on my face and heart, and, after the pacers who have helped me with my PBs, I’d love to pair it with another runner’s 10k goal.
Pace Time: 65 minutes
Name: Kelvin
A little about Kelvin:
I picked up running while at UBC as stress relief and a way of increasing fitness and it turned into a bigger hobby than I expected. Plenty of encouragement have come my way from pacers and even other runners and probably helped me just narrowly get goal times.
Pace Time: 70 minutes
Name: Aleya (@aleyatea)
A little about Aleya:
I was a sprinter through high school and university and just started running half marathons five years ago as a fundraiser for my work. This year I led a training group for my volunteers who were running the Scotia 5K.
Pace Time: 70 minutes
Name: Jeannine (@jeannineavelino)
A little about Jeannine:
I’m an avid road and trail runner who loves to help people achieve their goals. I’ve paced West Van Run Summer twice successfully and really enjoy motivating people to do their best.
Pace Time: 75 minutes
Name: Rebecca (@reggiesaurusbex)
A little about Rebecca:
I’ve been running about 6 years now, but moving to Vancouver 2 years ago and getting involved in the running community lead to me actually loving running and starting to reach my potential. I want to give back to the running community while helping others meet their own goals
Pace Time: 75 minutes
Name: Mable
A little about Mable:
Avid runner and foodie! I love the camaraderie of the running community and how everyone helps and encourages each other. Being a pacer allows me to be part of the action while still doing what I love…encouraging others!
All Pacers will be outfitted in shoes & athletic apparel from:
Trying to get under the two-hour mark? Looking for a running buddy to keep you motivated through your race? Pacers are a great resource for runners to help maintain pace, keep you motivated, and maybe push you towards that elusive new PB!
New this year, we will be offering a wider range of pace times to help keep you on track. So here they are, our 2019 Saucony Pacer Team at the Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon:
Pace Time: 1:30
Name: Lucas (@lusocio)
A little about Lucas:
I’m excited to be pacing the Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon for the first time. After a brief break from running to enjoy my first year of fatherhood, I’m back and looking forward to the New York marathon this November. Good luck to all runners.
Pace Time: 1:35
Name: Philip (@philfinlayson)
A little about Philip:
I’m a born-again runner who loves going fast and also loves helping others race well, through good preparation and steady pacing. I look forward to meeting you on race day!
Pace Time: 1:40
Name: Raymond (@raysmond)
A little about Raymond:
Long time runner, first time pacer. I’ve always respected the dedication of the race pacers, and now it’s time to help other reach their PB. Follow me to the finish line at this year’s half marathon.
Pace Time: 1:45
Name: Dan (@mrdanoleary)
A Little about Dan:
In a sport where I always run for myself, I want to give something back and support the goals of others. This race has people of all paces and levels, and it always makes me so happy to see them achieve their goals and set PBs.
Pace Time: 1:45
Name: Patrick (@pswaddleme)
A little about Patrick:
I am an enthusiastic runner always looking to embrace Vancouver’s running community in order to reach my goals, including that elusive Boston Qualification. I train with Mile2Marathon, drop by EVRC some Mondays, and have helped lead some of the smaller clinics at Running Room. I am so excited to pace my first race and hopefully help you cruise to a shiny new PB!
Pace Time: 1:50
Name: Jonathan (@flyingdutchman125)
A little about Jonathan:
I did track, road and cross country throughout my school career, with some great achievements. In adulthood, I’ve completed 3 marathons, 2 ultras and more halfs than I can count. I’m excited to help others achieve their goals on race day!
Pace Time: 1:55
Name: Lydia (@l.tay)
A Little about Lydia:
I rediscovered running three years ago and haven’t looked back. You’ll find me on the seawall logging KMs for my next race or dropping in at my local run club to give some high fives (VRC Flight Crew and East Van Run Club). In 2019, I’m aiming to complete my 7th half marathon and 3rd marathon – pacing some friends along the way.
Pace Time: 2:00
Name: Kathryn
A little about Kathryn:
I am super pumped to be pacing the 2:00 group for 2019! I’ve always been a runner but started taking it more seriously when I moved to Vancouver over 10 years ago. My favourite places to run are Stanley Park and the seawall, hands down! I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone I will be running with. Let’s do this!
Pace Time: 2:00
Name: Mel (@melsays)
A little about Mel:
Super stoked to be pacing this year’s Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon. Last year, I had the pleasure of running the course for the first time and was able to make my goal time thanks to the race’s pacers. I’m thrilled to be able to do the same for this year’s participants!
Pace Time: 2:05
Name: Navaz (@navaz.be.fit)
A little about Navaz:
I (only) started running in January of 2018. My goal was to complete my first half marathon before turning 30. Since then I have completed two half marathons, two 47km challenges and a handful of other races. The running community in the lower mainland is outstanding and I’ve had the pleasure to meet and become friends with such positive and inspiring people.
Pace Time: 2:10
Name: Chantelle (@chantelle_swimbikerun)
A little about Chantelle:
My name is Chantelle and although I compete primarily in triathlons now, I still dabble from time to time in running races (SVHM will be my 20th half marathon and third time pacing this wonderful race).
Pace Time: 2:15
Name: Sean (@runningbeernerd)
A little about Sean:
I got into running later at around 40 years old – perhaps a midlife crisis? I have been having lots of fun learning, getting better, and helping others do the same! I lead a local running store half marathon run group and love watching the improvements of those both new to the distance as well as the more experienced runners.
Pace Time: 2:20
Name: Brenda (@jus_tri_it)
A little about Brenda:
I did my first half marathon at 47 years of age & fell in love with this event. I’ve been part of running groups for the last two years and know how motivating and fun they can be. I’d like to give back to this sport I’ve fallen in love with & would hope I can help those running around me to feel proud during the race!
Pace Time: 2:25
Name: Eric (@heyrickie)
A little about Eric:
I’ve run 20+ half marathons over the last 12 years. I’ve heard of others signing up as pacers and thought I should give that a try.
Pace Time: 2:30
Name: Amy (@amybeeman)
A little about Amy:
This will be my 25th half marathon, and my first time pacing! Most my training runs come in the form of chasing my 8 year old twins around. It will be a pretty amazing feeling to get some runners (especially those doing their first half) across the finish line.
All Pacers will be outfitted in shoes & athletic apparel from:
Advice from Toronto’s female running leaders on keeping the passion alive, improving, misconceptions about body size and more.
Eastbound Run Crew has runners of all levels, with all sorts of goals
Trying to get under the two-hour mark? Looking for a running buddy to keep you motivated through your race? Pacers are a great resource for runners to help maintain pace, keep you motivated, and maybe push you towards that elusive new PB!
We had an incredibly strong group of applications for our pacer positions this year, and we’re very excited to announce your 2018 Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon Pacers!
Pace Time: 2hr 30min
Name: Susan
A little about Susan:
“I started running with my first Learn-to-Run clinic in July 2012, and did my first half marathon in November 2013. Since then I’ve done 10 half marathons. I have attempted to do the Scotia Half a few times, but scheduling and injury derailed my plans. ”
“I paced my first half marathon last year and had a fantastic time, so I decided to do it again this year; and when Canada Running Series asked for pacing volunteers, I jumped at the chance. I am looking forward to bringing other racers across the finish line!”
Pace Time: 2hr 30min
Name: Amanda
A little about Amanda:
“My name is Amanda and I was born and raised in Vancouver, BC. My passion for running started in high school and I’ve completed several races ranging from 10k to full marathons mainly in BC, but also in the US and Ireland. I’m excited to serve as a pacer for the 2018 Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon because I can’t wait to help you crush your goals! Whether your goal is to just finish the race or get a new personal best, I’ll be there with you every step of the way!”
Pace Time: 2hr 15min
Name: Meaghan
A little about Meaghan:
Meaghan started running in 2013 when her brother bet her on who could out run who at a 10K race (this is now an annual tradition!). Since then, Meaghan has run countless 10KM events, 11 half marathons and is currently training for her first full marathon. She is very excited to pace the 2:15 Scotiabank Half Marathon group and to help fellow runners crush their goals. When not out running with her husband James and their chocolate labrador Gus, you can find Meaghan at the local coffee shops or craft breweries.
Pace Time: 2hr 15min
Name: Rose
A little about Rose:
“Hi there! My name is Rose and I am super excited to be a pacer for the Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon! I code most of my day away, so running is a welcome break for my brain and body. The Scotiabank Vancouver half marathon was my first half marathon and why I am so happy to be a pacer this year. Pacers have pushed me to PBs and finishes that I doubt I could have reached alone. I am very excited to help others reach their personal running goals.”
Pace Time: 2hr
Name: Paul
A little about Paul:
My name is Paul and I’m super excited to be the 2:00:00 pacer for the SVHM. I love setting HAGs (i.e. harry audacious goals) and working relentlessly to achieve them. In 2018, I’ll run the Boston, Berlin, and Chicago marathons. By achieving my HAGs, I aim to both role model and inspire my kids and others to set lofty goals and achieve them. As a SVHM pacer, I will encourage others by running alongside them and motivating them to achieve their own HAGs on what is one of the most stunningly beautiful courses.
Pace Time: 2hr
Name: Jaylene
A little about Jaylene:
“In the last five years I have developed a love and appreciation for running and created a lifestyle around it. With the help of mentors in the Running community that have challenged me and with my sense of determination I have completed my goal in running the Boston Marathon in 2017. ”
“Giving back to the running community has always been important to me. Helping fellow runners push themselves to meet new goals gives me a sense of accomplishment and pride as I give back to the community. ”
Pace Time: 1hr 45min
Name: Philip
A little about Philip:
“Hello! I am Phil Finlayson and I have the privilege of pacing the 1:45 group at the 2018 Scotiabank Half Marathon. This will be my fifth time running in this event. My favourite distances are 10K and Half Marathon, though I will have just finished my 3rdMarathon before we meet at the start line. You can find me sharing my love of running with the North Burnaby Runners, Phoenix Running Club, Sun Run Clinics and sometimes even with crews west of Boundary Rd.”
Pace Time: 1hr 45min
Name: Dan
A little about Dan:
Originally from the UK, Dan ran his first 10k in London back in 2001. He didn’t get back into it until 2013 when he joined a local run group (at Rackets & Runners) to improve his distance and find a supportive run community. You can find Dan at road races of many distances; he’s lost count of how many, but the half is still his favourite. He’s also competed in 12 triathlons of all distances except the full Ironman; that’s his main focus for this year, as he’ll be competing at Ironman Canada in July. He’s looking forward to working to help others meet their goals at this year’s race!
By Kara Leinweber, Ultra Runner
We are road runners, trail runners, elite and amateur runners. Some of us are 5k runners and others are 100 mile finishers. Whether you run fast or slow or in-between, we are all runners; we all chase post run glow, runners high and celebrations with new friends at the finish line. We are part of incredible run communities and crave connection with like minded individuals.
I love crushing both road and trail miles and compete in several road and ultra trail events each season. I am also the Race Director for The Lewiston Ultra (www.thelewistonultra.com); a new event to celebrate community, connection and adventure. I am wild about run community and want to create opportunity to connect to something bigger, experience the power of community, float on gorgeous trails and take in an incredible finish line celebration. When we allow ourselves to be supported and support others, we have incredibly clear moments to push further and reach a higher level of focus in run.
Training on road and trail can be daunting and the mental toughness, commitment and accountability can be isolating. While I do complete many training runs solo in the pain cave, many of my training miles will be shared with running partners and run clubs. This has given opportunities to connect with runners that share the same pace, training ideas, gather the latest & greatest on run gear and create forever friendships. When you’re spending hours on the road or trails with a run buddy, you’re bound to chat about anything and everything. When I race ultras and run alongside a new friend for hours, we start sharing things that I wouldn’t even share with my closest of friends. You fight through the challenges together and there is nothing sweeter than rising up to be part of each other’s race success. I swear it is better than therapy. For all these reasons, I included an option in The Lewiston Ultra for relay runners to complete as many legs as they fancy with their relay team or with a soloist. I want to encourage the incredible bonds that are formed over the miles.
Stop by your local run store to connect with local run clubs and find out about race events. I have joined more run clubs that I can count and most will post the distance, route and pace prior so you know what your running into. There are several types of run clubs: recreational, trail, triathlon, marathon, ultra marathon, track, stroller, etc. Run clubs are welcoming, encouraging to new members and ready to share stories and the runventure journey. Get out there and find your run community.
VANCOUVER. January 30th, 2018. Canada Running Series is delighted to announce the appointment of Ryan Chilibeck, who will join the team as Race Director, CRS West, replacing Clif Cunningham. Ryan’s first day will be tomorrow, January 31st, though Clif will continue full-time until the summer as part of a smooth transition.
“After 17 years, we’re sad to see Clif move on in search of new adventures,” said President Alan Brookes, “but thrilled to have someone with Ryan’s combined running, community and business experience on board to continue to build on the success of the events.”
A lifetime sportsperson, Ryan turned to running in 2010, and got the “race experience” bug when he signed up for Canada Running Series’ Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon in 2014. That was also the year he founded East Van Run Crew:
“Until 2014, I typically ran alone,” he recalls. “Then one of my friends was running with Parkdale Roadrunners in Toronto and I couldn’t stop watching his social media feed to see what was going on. I looked around Vancouver and didn’t see anything that really captured the energy of this new running movement that they were bringing to the streets every week. In the lead up to my 2014 Scotia Half, EVRC was founded over social media, to a lukewarm reception. From there, things have just snowballed into what EVRC is today…a large, dynamic, inviting, open-door, community-building and thirsty group of people who also like to run.
Once this social aspect of running came into my life, it gave me another thing to look forward to every week: a new circle of friends and a creative output that no job could not offer me at the time. We were able to raise money for charities, jump on social media to connect with runners across the globe, host group events in our own city and represent our run crews at races around the world.”
From 2012 to 2016, Ryan also gained invaluable business experience establishing and managing a flourishing Famoso Pizza franchise in East Vancouver that also helped sponsor races and act as a popular location for crew runs, post-run pizza and beer, as well as supporting a wide range of community-based charities. He also coordinated and oversaw the training of new Famoso partners and their management teams, and re-vamped and refreshed the music offerings at 29 Famoso locations across Canada.
Ryan has spent the past year in Edmonton where he launched and managed the Northern Alberta Trail Run Series.
“Bringing a new Race Series to Edmonton was an incredibly rewarding experience. I was able to use my previous racing knowledge to coordinate the entire runner-experience from registration to finish line. There is no better feeling than seeing a lofty vision and months’ worth of planning come to reality. The only downside was that I never got to race in any of them! I’m really looking forward to bringing my personal experiences and talents to the amazing structure that Clif, Tom and the rest of the CRS team has worked hard to create across the country.”
Ryan will be joined on the Canada Running Series West team by Jen Cerullo and Ron Denischuk, two high-energy event professionals, as Event Manager and Operations Manager, respectively. Jen has worked on many Vancouver-area events including prominent roles with lululemon’s Seawheeze, the Rock ‘n Roll Vancouver Half marathon and the First Half Half Marathon, as well as with CRS on the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon in a range of volunteer-management, course, venue and “people” areas. Ron has worked with CRS under Tom Skinner for 5 years, as well as on the Sun Run and other major events. A UBC Business graduate, he is eager to step up as Tom moves on to a new challenge with HUB Cycling. Like Clif, though, Tom will be there in the transition to support the Scotia Half and the Under Armour Eastside 10k in race-week roles.
“We’re really excited about 2018, from Vancouver to Toronto and Montreal,” said Brookes. “And we’re looking forward to seeing the running community out in force to give Clif and Tom a royal send-off, and be part of the new energy, excitement and innovation that Ryan and his team will bring. We’re all building this together.”
Canada Running Series [CRS] is the nation’s premier running circuit with 7 events: 4 in Toronto, 2 in Vancouver and 1 in Montreal. It annually attracts some 60,000 participants and raises more than $6 million for some 320 mostly-local charities. The Series includes the IAAF Gold Label Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, and the Scotiabank Vancouver Half marathon, the only event in Canada to receive “Inspire Gold” certification from the Council for Responsible Sport in Oregon for its exemplary practice of sustainability. Since 1999, CRS has gained international recognition for innovation and organization. We are passionately committed to staging great experiences for runners of all levels from Canadian Olympians and International stars, to healthy lifestyle people and charity runners; and to making sport part of sustainable communities and the city-building process. Our mission is “building community through the sport of running”.
© 2023 Canada Running Series.
