Ep 71 - Julia Hawkins

This week on the RUNVAN Podcast, we're joined by Connor Emeny, the first person to complete an iron-distance triathlon on all seven continents.Connor shares the story behind his four-year journey, including the challenges of completing a 32-hour triathlon in Antarctica. We chat about training, logistics, running, community, and what comes after achieving a world record. We also discuss his upcoming documentary Chasing Antarctica, screening November 17th at the Vancouver Mountain Film Festival.

Fresh off her victory at the Great Trek 5K, where she clocked an impressive 16:31 in some classic Vancouver rain, Holly MacGillivray joins the RUNVAN Podcast!A familiar face at the Jerome Classic, Holly has been steadily making strides on the track, setting a new 1500m personal best of 4:11.06 this season as she continues chasing the elusive 4:10 barrier.We chat about her Great Trek win, finding consistency in training and balancing competitive athletics with her new career. Plus, we talk about enjoying the process, making time for mountain adventures, and what's next on the track.A great conversation about progress, patience, and finding joy in the pursuit of faster times!

Episode 77 - We're taking the RUNVAN Podcast behind the scenes for Great Trek race week! Recorded live from package pickup, this episode features quick conversations with two volunteers, a member of the Forerunners team, and one of our package pickup contractors about the people and work that go into making race day happen.You'll hear the sounds of a busy package pickup in the background as we capture the excitement of race week and celebrate the people who help bring our events to life.The Great Trek takes place Saturday, October 24th, at UBC. See you at the start line!

Episode 76 - In this episode of the RUNVAN Podcast, we sit down with Kavie Toor, Managing Director of Athletics & Recreation at UBC, to chat about his journey from student to university leader, UBC's incredible sporting legacy, and the importance of sport and recreation in building community.We also look ahead to the Great Trek on October 24th, exploring the history behind the event, its partnership with UBC and Musqueam, and what makes this longstanding Vancouver running tradition so special.The 10K, half marathon, and Hat Trick are sold out, but there's still time to join the fun in the 5K! Learn more at runvan.org.

2025 Granville Island Turkey Trot champion Susanna Allen joins the RUNVAN Podcast! After taking last year’s women’s title in 39:23, Susanna takes us through the Turkey Trot course, sharing her tips for tackling the 10K. We also get to know Susanna, her running journey, the Vancouver running community, and why she keeps coming back to something she describes as “horrible and amazing all at once.”

Episode 74 - In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Julia sits down with Jocelyn from the leadership team at Native Women Run, a nonprofit dedicated to representing and empowering Native women through running.They talk about the mission behind Native Women Run, the importance of representation and Indigenous-led spaces in sport, creating meaningful opportunities for Native women, and the role the wider running community can play in reconciliation beyond September 30.

Episode 73 - This week on the RUNVAN Podcast, we're joined by Leland Young, founder of yYoung Wellbeing and Alkiss Water, one of RUNVAN's hydration partners! An entrepreneur, runner and cyclist, Leland shares his journey through three BMO Vancouver Marathons, balancing business and family with endurance training, and the importance of prioritizing wellbeing. We also dive into hydration strategies and what it takes to stay hydrated from the start line to the finish line.

Episode 72 - This week, Julia sits down with longtime runner, training partner and friend Lee Kennett to swap stories from years of running and racing. From countless RUNVAN start lines and an ultra-running phase featuring some highly questionable fuelling choices. This one is less about results and more about the stories that come with a life spent running.

Episode 71 - This week, the tables are turned as Taylor takes over hosting duties to interview regular RUNVAN Podcast host Julia Hawkins.Julia looks back on an unconventional year that took her from indoor track and steeplechase to a 5,000m PB in Prague, a third-place finish at the Knee Knacker, and a humbling Grit & Grind 20K in Ottawa. They chat about trying new events, lessons from the year, and starting her first serious marathon build since 2023 — all while preparing to get married.

Episode 70 - Maggie Smith joins the RUNVAN Podcast after a breakthrough 2026 season that saw her win the Jerome Classic 1,500m in a personal best and Nova Scotia record of 4:10.74. She talks about life after six years at Villanova, finding a new level in her first post-collegiate season, and earning silver at the Canadian Championships behind Olympian Lucia Stafford.