Gotta Run Podcast

Join us your hosts Norman and Jodi of the Gotta Run Podcast for our 160th and final episode as we look back on our five-year journey through the ultra-running community — sharing stories about some guests, funny bloopers, surprising stats, and heartfelt thanks to listeners and supporters. Though the podcast ends, the community continues: follow us on our YouTube channel or social media or come see...

Brian and Tim from New Brunswick join the Gotta Run Podcast to recap their Côte d'Azur 100 miler in Nice, France, sharing course details, steep alpine climbs, coastal finishes and the race-day atmosphere. They also discuss long-distance adventures—from 100s to 300-mile events—training, sleep and hallucinations on multi-day races, favorite destination events, and local race recommendations for visi...

Mark Coleman shares his remarkable story of living with Autoimmune cirrhosis of the liver, receiving a life-saving liver transplant, and reclaiming his health through running. He describes his path from marathons to trail ultras, culminating in his first 100-mile finish at the Haliburton 100. The episode covers Mark's transplant experience, recovery, training, memorable races like Sulphur Springs...

Selene Mallone joins the GottaRun Podcast to chronicle her rapid rise from marathons and obstacle races to winning the Divide 200 in 72 hours 31 minutes. She discusses her journey into ultra running after injury, intense altitude and elevation training, race-day challenges including nausea, a dead headlamp and a bear reroute, and the emotional finish where she learned she’d won only after crossing...

Norm and Jodi your hosts of the Gotta Run Podcast recap the 2025 Lost Soul Ultra in Lethbridge, Alberta, celebrating Lost Soul's 25th year. They share first-hand accounts of the 100K and 50K races, course changes, weather contrasts, crewing challenges, tough climbs through the coulees, and the supportive volunteer spirit. Highlights include night running encounters, finisher rocks, aid station sto...

In this episode the Gotta Run Podcast chats with Haliburton 100 race director Tegan Legge and long-time volunteer Gary Black about the 32nd annual Haliburton Forest 100. They discuss the race’s history, challenging terrain, volunteer community, and the surprise appearance of Prime Minister Mark Carney and his wife Diana in the 26K. The conversation covers the hush‑hush logistics of the VIP visit,...

Join the Gotta Run Podcast as Mark Hayward, former Lost Soul race director and 100-mile finisher at the inaugural race 25 years ago, shares stories from the race’s origin, memorable moments, aid-station lore, and much more. Hear about Lost Soul’s 25-year history including its unique river rock awards, wild weather challenges, and community spirit.   Here is Marc... You can follow Marc on Instagram...

In this thrilling episode of the Gotta Run Podcast, Craig Frizzle from Maple Ridge, BC shares his exhilarating journey through one of the most challenging ultra marathons in the world, the Hard Rock 100 in Colorado. After a decade of attempts, Craig finally secured a spot and recounts the highs and lows of his adventure. Listeners will hear about the breathtaking yet grueling trails, and the heart...

Join the Gotta Run Podcast as they bring you an exhilarating episode live from the finish line at Sulphur Springs Trail Race. Witness firsthand accounts from extraordinary athletes who pushed their limits in the grueling 100-mile race earning their ticket to the Western States 100 Lottery. Meet standout individuals like Paul Vanoostveen, who shattered the course record, sharing his pacing strategi...

Join us on an exhilarating journey at the Sulphur Springs Trail Race as we explore triumphs and challenges faced by the courageous runners. In this episode, we provide live coverage, including Robert Brouillette, the remarkable 100k winner from Cambridge, Ontario, who shares his race strategy and past experiences earning himself a Western States 100 ticket and a new course record. We also chat wit...

In this exciting episode of the Gotta Run Podcast, join Jodi and Norm as they chat with some incredible ultra runners who recently competed in the Sulphur Springs 50-Miler Trail Race. Hear from Juan Zorrilla, who took home first place in his very first ultra race, as well as his coach and friend Ryan Hiscox, who came in second. Together, they share their journey, teamwork, and the unique experienc...

Welcome to the Gotta Run Podcast! In this episode, join hosts Jodi and Norm as they dive into the exhilarating world of ultra racing at the Sulphur Springs Trail Race event. Meet the dynamic athletes who conquered the challenging 50K trail, including Boston's Alex Forte, who clinched first place in an impressive time of 3 hours and 23 minutes, and other remarkable performers hailing from different...

Join hosts Norman and Jodi for a thrilling episode of the Gotta Run Podcast, live from the Sulphur Springs Trail Race. Filmed over an action-packed weekend, this episode captures the excitement and nervous anticipation as runners from across Canada and other countries gear up for a variety of challenging distances. From interviews with relay team members, to first-time 100 miler participants shari...

Welcome back to the Gotta Run Podcast, where we dive deep into the world of ultra running with Tracy McKinnon, a 51-year-old forensic toxicologist from South Carolina. With over a decade of experience tackling ultra distance races like the Rocky Raccoon 100, Pinhoti 100, and the notorious Cruel Jewel 100, Tracy shares his journey into the ultra running scene which started as a bonding activity wit...

Join us in this episode of the Gotta Run Podcast as we sit down with Tammy Volock, a seasoned ultra runner from Portland, Maine, taking on the Sulphur Springs 100K. We explore her journey through the ultra-running scene, her experiences in famous races across the US, and her aspirations to qualify for the Western States 100.  Tune in as Tammy talks about the challenges of high-altitude races like...

Welcome to this episode of the Gotta Run Podcast, where we delve into the exciting world of ultra-running with our special guest, Madeline Hawkins. Join us as Madeline shares her inspiring journey from a casual runner to a rising star in the ultra-running scene. In this episode, Madeline recounts her thrilling experiences winning Fat Dog 100k and a top ten finish at Chiang Mai 100k in Thailand. Ma...

Join us on the Gotta Run Podcast as we chat with Ryan Smook, an ultramarathon runner from Grand Prairie, Alberta, who shares his incredible journey of getting into the prestigious Western States Endurance Run. Ryan talks about his beginnings in the ultrarunning community, inspired by friends and facing the notorious Canadian Death Race. Discover how Ryan tackled the grueling Sinister 7 and The Div...

In this captivating episode of the Gotta Run Podcast, we dive into the unique story of Evan Birch, an ultra-runner from Calgary, Alberta, who embarked on an extraordinary journey with his dog, Nova. Together, they tackled the Orcas Island 100-Miler, an event that challenged both man and canine in ways never imagined. Evan and Nova's adventure showcases the deep bond between a runner and their loya...

Welcome to another episode of the Gotta Run Podcast! This time, we dive into an inspiring conversation with Ken Slagter, a resilient ultra runner from Ontario, Canada. Join us as Ken opens up about his remarkable journey to the Western States 100 Endurance Run. From the tough trials of missing out on lotteries to an unexpected health scare in 2023, Ken's love for the sport shines through. Discover...

Join us as we delve into an exhilarating episode of the Gotta Run Podcast featuring the inspiring ultra runner from New Zealand, Sam Harvey. Fresh off his victory at the Tarawera 100 miler, Sam shares his race strategies, experiences, and future racing goals.  Listen in as we chat about his other wins at Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko 100 in Australia and New Zealand's The Spectacle 50k   This episode is...

Join us in this thrilling episode of the Gotta Racing Podcast, where we have an insightful discussion with Andrew Fairhurst, the co-director of the renowned Minotaur Sky Race in Crowsnest Pass, Alberta. As Canadas only qualifier for the Skyrunner World Series, this unique event challenges athletes with 2,900 meters of elevation gain over a 33.5K course, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the...

In this episode of the Gotta Run Podcast, we sit down with Kevin McDonald, a passionate race director from Canmore and the mind behind Five Peaks Alberta and TransRockies events. Houda shares his journey from volunteering at the Atlanta Olympics to becoming a key figure in the world of stage races. Discover how Kevin’s love for community and adventure has led him to create events that inspire peop...

Join us on an exhilarating episode of the Gotta Run Podcast as we dive into the world of ultra marathon race directing with Brian Gallant, the mastermind behind Sinister Sports. As one of Canada's premier race directors, Brian shares his journey from being an adventure racer to shaping some of the country's most renowned ultra events, including the Sinister Seven, Canadian Death Race, The Divide 2...

Join us as we dive into the world of the Lost Soul Ultra, one of Canada's most challenging ultramarathons. In this episode, we revisit our enlightening conversation with Dean Johnson, the race director of the iconic race known for its grueling terrain and rich history. Learn about the unique challenges and stories that revolve around this prairie race, and how it became a qualifier for the prestig...

Join us in this engaging episode of the Gotta Run Podcast as we revisit a captivating discussion with John Lacroix, director of the renowned Human Potential Running Series, Colorado's largest ultra trail running series. John shares his unique insights into the world of ultra running, revealing the lesser-known realities of the sport and the intricacies of being a race director. Discover why John b...