The Western States Endurance Run is arguably the most prominent ultramarathon in all of North America. The Sulphur Springs Trail Race in Ancaster, Ontario, is aiming to be the very first certified qualifier in our province for the WSER. But why is that important? What is there to love about Western States? Host John Shep speaks this week with two-time Western States winner (and Canadian ultrarunner) Ellie Greenwood about her two victories, about having a more than decade-long course record at the event, and why it's the competition and community that drives her love for Western States!

We also get a visit from Happy Trails Racing to share their newest race for July 6, 2024: The First Blaze Trail Race.

Find out more about Ellie Greenwood on IG: https://www.instagram.com/elliejgreenwood

Volunteer for Happy Trails Racing's First Blaze Trail Race: https://raceroster.com/events/2024/87451/the-first-blaze-trail-race

Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-ontario-2024-membership

Natasha Wodak, Canada's fastest female marathoner, is taking on the Hamburg Marathon this weekend in her bid to qualify for a third Olympic team at Paris 2024. She chats with Trillium Running Podcast host John Shep about how she navigates the adversity in competition, but also the collective soul of Canadian athletics. They also take a detour to celebrate all things Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend, as it is the 50th Anniversary of that amazing race!

We also get a visit from the Running Physio and Canada Running Series Foundation, who are hosting 3rd annual Freestyle 5K and 1K Kids Run in support of Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. This event is open to participants of all ages and abilities and we learn how to join them at Sunnybrook Park on Saturday, May 4th, 2024 to support creating a world of possibilities for kids and youth with disabilities.

Find out more about Natasha Wodak on IG: https://www.instagram.com/tashawodak/

Find out more or sign-up to take part in Canada's biggest road race party of the year at https://www.runottawa.ca

Register for the Freestyle 5K at: https://raceroster.com/events/2024/83521/2024-the-freestyle-5k-and-1k-kids-run

Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-ontario-2024-membership

On this episode of the Trilium Running Podcast, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend with the icon, the legend, the "Man in Motion" himself... Rick Hansen! Rick chronicles his national and international athletic success, his Man in Motion tour and winning Ottawa's inaugural wheelchair marathon in 1983.

Find out more about Rick Hansen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/rickhansenofficial/

Find out more or sign-up to take part in Canada's biggest road race party of the year at https://www.runottawa.ca

Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-ontario-2024-membership