Zoe Clarke will be running route 105-106, just above Pancake Bay! She is super excited to explore this part of Canada, where she has never been before. Zoe has been so grateful for running during the pandemic because of the sense of purpose (and break from sitting at the computer) it has given her. It has been fun to discover the joys of running since she did not grow up running at all - but this will be her second marathon!
Miko Henry will be running route 123-124, a run in rural southern Ontario just east of Parry Sound that also passes through Huntsville. Miko ran in her childhood because she loved it, but only started running again after her first daughter was born seven years ago. Motherhood saved her life and pushed her to want to take care of myself. As she progressed, she came to realize the immense therapeutic benefits it had for her mind as well and was hooked. The pandemic has made her more grateful for running than she has ever been.
Diana Philipova is taking on route 124-125 that skirts right by the beautiful towns of Bracebridge and Gravenhurst. Diana got into running by accident about 12 years ago, after being on the rowing team in university - herself and a friend ended up signing up for the Disney marathon one year because all of the smaller distances were full, and loved it! One race led to another, and she has since ran in dozens of other marathons, Ironmans, and triathlons. With the cancellation of races, Diana feels she has rediscovered the joy of running - not for a race or time - but for the act of it and how great one feels afterwards.
Daniel Gillis is doing his marathon along route 134-135 which extends through the Rideau Lakes area. Dan has been running since early high school, having started as a way to stay healthy, explore, and meet new people! He is excited about the positive change that all of the charities represented by 205 Marathons aspire to make, with True North Aid resonating most with him. He mentions that implementing practical positive initiatives for northern Indigenous communities in Canada is extremely important, and hopes to support and bring awareness to their cause.