The world of running isn't just about PRs and miles—it's about connection. Join us on the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast for an electrifying conversation with Lauren Mantha, the former nurse who traded her scrubs for running shoes and ignited a movement with "A Running List." What started in 2023 as a single charity challenge didn't just transform her body; it reshaped her life. Lauren dives into the unexpected social power she found in local run clubs, calling the experience nothing short of transformative.
Inspired by this sense of belonging, Lauren built a resource every runner needs: "A Running List." This incredible website is a one-stop-shop designed to help anyone—from beginner to marathoner—easily find and join run clubs, and she's not stopping there. Hear her ambitious plans to expand this community-finding tool globally!
We'll talk about the logistics and magic of organizing community runs, the future fitness goals that keep her moving, and why, for her, the true finish line isn't a banner—it's a vibrant, interconnected community. If you’re looking for a dose of inspiration that proves running is the ultimate team sport, lace up and listen in!

Learn more about Lauren at: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmantha/

Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-ontario-2025-membership

This episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast features a special guest from the heart of the city of Toronto: Joe Francisco (@joooe.francisco). Joe sits down with us to share his incredible journey toward a 3:10 marathon at the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, an endeavor that is teaching him the true meaning of strength and self-confidence. He also reflects on his homecoming to the Toronto running scene, a community he describes as having "pure Toronto energy." Tune in to hear how being a part of this community team has allowed him to share his personal journey and connect with other runners through Search for Strides.

Learn more about Joe at: https://www.instagram.com/joooe.francisco/

Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-ontario-2025-membership

Join us for a powerful conversation with Christine Marinho, an endurance athlete whose journey proves that running can be more than just a workout—it can be a path to healing.
Christine opens up about how she used running as therapy after her divorce and how it ignited a passion that led her to become a multi-sport athlete and a marathoner. She shares the story of conquering her fear of swimming to complete a triathlon and her ongoing quest to complete the World Marathon Majors, including the upcoming 2025 Berlin Marathon!
You'll hear her candid insights on the importance of mental strength, the incredible kindness of the running community, and how she's embracing holistic health, especially during perimenopause. This episode is a testament to the transformative power of endurance sports and a celebration of wellness and community.

Learn more about Christine at: https://www.instagram.com/christinemarinho21/

Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-ontario-2025-membership

This week on the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we sit down with Meher Pavri, London, Ontario native and the Parsi-Canadian soprano who's conquering both the stage and the road.
From starring in West Side Story to her award-winning work in Canadian theatre, film, and TV, Meher's passion for performance is unmatched. But what's her secret? We're diving into how she uses running as a "mind-calming practice" and a way to stay grounded.
Join us as we uncover how this talented soprano and Miss India-Canada winner is bringing the same dedication and fire to her miles as she does to her melodies. You won't believe what she's training for next!

Learn more about Meher at: https://www.instagram.com/meherpavri/

Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-ontario-2025-membership

You'll want to lace up for this one! In this episode of the Athletics Ontario podcast, we sit down with elite marathoner Ben Preisner to unpack his remarkable journey from an athlete in Milton, Ontario, to a national and international competitor.
Ben shares candid insights on his transition from a team sport to running and his time as a collegiate athlete at the University of Tulsa, where he balanced a demanding chemical engineering degree with grueling training.
Ben also dives deep into his mental approach to high-level competition and reveals his intense preparations for the ultimate test: the World Marathon Championships in Tokyo this September 2025. He gives us a behind-the-scenes look at his training, offering his rapid-fire advice on consistency, community, and the joy of running.

Learn more about Ben at: https://www.instagram.com/ben.preisner/

Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-ontario-2025-membership

From accidental runner to ultrarunner and literary maven, Riley van der Linden is a force of nature. Find out how a move to a new city sparked a passion that led to a jaw-dropping 1000-day run streak and a new perspective on life. We dive into the world of Toronto's vibrant running communities, the secrets behind her popular @runtobooks Instagram account, and the one piece of advice they have for anyone starting their running journey.
Don't miss this inspiring conversation that will make you want to lace up your shoes and grab a book.

Learn more about Riley at: https://www.instagram.com/runtobooks/

Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-ontario-2025-membership

This week, we're joined by local running legend, Harvey Steinhoff, and he's not holding anything back! We're celebrating a milestone as we go inside the incredible second-anniversary story of the Shores of Erie run club—from a simple idea to a thriving community.
But that's just the start. Harvey, an official ambassador for the Windsor Waterfront Half Marathon, takes you behind the scenes of the city's premier running event. He'll share his top secrets for preparing for the big day on September 14th, and reveal the untold story of what it really takes to lead a community of athletes.
Don't just listen to the journey—run with it. This is one episode you can't afford to miss!

Learn more about Harvey at: https://www.instagram.com/altra_harvey/

Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-ontario-2025-membership

On this episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we sit down with Burlington firefighter, mental health advocate, and runner Ryan Gallagher. Ryan shares the deeply personal story behind his mission to run 21 half-marathons in 21 days to raise funds for Pathstone Mental Health in September 2025. He opens up about how he's navigated his own mental health and sobriety journeys following the loss of his father and a decade of firefighting, and how he found healing through therapy and running. Join us as Ryan inspires listeners to prioritize their mental health and seek the help they need.

Learn more about Ryan at: https://www.instagram.com/ryan.runs21/

Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-ontario-2025-membership