What happens when you trade a tennis racket in Peru for the grueling Canadian ultramarathon circuit? In this episode, we sit down with Sergio Raez Villanueva, an elite long-distance runner whose "gutsy" racing style recently took him all the way to India to represent Canada at the 50K World Championships. Sergio opens up about his profound transition from a Peruvian immigrant to a national-level athlete, revealing how he used running as a meditative lifeline to navigate the hurdles of a new life.
We trace his evolution from the fast-paced world of collegiate cross country to the grit of high-level ultras, exploring how he manages to balance a demanding full-time career with an intensity that sees him tackling the Ottawa 10K and marathon in a single weekend. Sergio shares the mindset behind his upcoming "go big or go home" season—which includes his daunting first attempt at a 100-mile trail race at Sulphur Springs 2026—while reminding us that even in a solitary sport, it is the pulse of the community and a deep sense of cultural pride that truly fuels his fire.

Learn more about Sergio at: https://www.instagram.com/sergioraezv/

Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-canada-road-trail-membership

Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout): https://hammernutrition.ca/

How do you turn grief into a movement? This episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast features Neil McKay, founder of Persistence Racing, marking five years of resilience in London, Ontario. We explore the launch of Fox Stride, a unique "double dash" track event, and the deeply personal motivation behind Neil's mission.
After navigating family tragedy and recovery, Neil's experiences with the London Children's Hospital inspired his London 100—a 100km solo challenge to raise $5,000 for pediatric care. It's a powerful look at finding purpose through pain and the profound impact of running for something bigger than yourself.

Learn more about Neil at: https://www.instagram.com/persistenceracing/

Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-canada-road-trail-membership

Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout): https://hammernutrition.ca/

Find out about one of Canada's most promising distance runners! This week on the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we're joined by Jadyn Keeler, the University of North Dakota standout and Canadian Track and Field League (CTFL) athlete currently shattering records in the 5,000m and 10,000m.

Jadyn joins us to discuss her unconventional path to the NCAA, her independent recruitment hustle, and the reality of being an international student navigating NIL endorsements. But it's not all track—Jadyn also dives into her demanding double major in Molecular Biology and Geography, explaining how she balances high-level scientific research with an elite training schedule.

Highlights include:
- The Pivot: Transitioning from the rink to elite track and field.
- Technical Talk: A deep dive into the "double threshold" training method.
- Olympic Dreams: Her roadmap to representing Team Canada at LA 2028.
- Longevity: Essential advice for young athletes on consistency and health.

Whether you're a coach, an athlete, or a fan of the sport, Jadyn's story of scientific precision and athletic grit is a must-listen.

Learn more about CTFL at: https://www.instagram.com/jadynkeeler/

Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-canada-road-trail-membership

Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout): https://hammernutrition.ca/