Runner Up is a brand new internet collection that includes a few of the people who find themselves leaders of their native operating communities and who make a big contribution to the Canadian operating scene.
For those who’ve ever run with any of Ottawa’s many run golf equipment, chances are high you recognize Stephen Bierbrier. After an extended hiatus from operating, the previous Montrealer acquired again into the game about 10 years in the past, and never solely has he not seemed again, however he has turn out to be a recognizable determine within the Ottawa operating scene, beginning new golf equipment and inspiring everybody he meets to get lively and related.
“It was a life-style selection [to get back into running], and I didn’t know what I used to be doing,” Bierbrier says. “I discovered my approach to an area run membership, who took me in and confirmed me that nothing is horrifying–health and wellness are tremendous enjoyable.” This expertise impressed him to turn out to be a pacesetter amongst Ottawa runners, launching golf equipment, organizing cheer stations at Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend, the Canada Military Run and different occasions, and holding runners up-to-date with all of the free actions accessible within the Nationwide Capital area.
Bierbrier, who’s in his 50s, enjoys racing 10Ks and half-marathons, however for him, it’s by no means been about his paces or end occasions, however extra concerning the connections makes whereas travelling to race in new locations. 4 years in, he began Arboretum Hill Membership (the Dominion Arboretum is a part of Ottawa’s Central Experimental Farm, and a well-liked spot for hill operating). Extra not too long ago, he and his associate, Tamara Robinson, began Dawn Trails, main path runs on weekend mornings in Gatineau Park. (In winter, when there may be sufficient snow, they snowshoe run.) He additionally began the Ottawa Free Health Fb and Instagram accounts. Alongside the best way, the couple additionally cast relationships with manufacturers like Brooks, Xact Vitamin, Garmin and Khatoola, for the advantage of their run membership members. (He’s fast to level out that, no, Garmin doesn’t give out free watches!)
Jenn Tuthill, social media supervisor for Run Ottawa (which organizes Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend) has recognized Bierbrier for nearly 10 years. “Ever since I’ve recognized him, he has been an enormous ball of enjoyable and vitality, spreading nothing however good vibes by means of the native health neighborhood and past,” she says. “He’s at all times prepared to help to those that are much less skilled. If you’re part of the Ottawa health and operating neighborhood, you recognize Stephen.”
Bierbrier works a 9-to-5 job within the federal public service, which his evenings and weekends free to indulge his passions for operating and connecting with like-minded individuals who wish to be as lively as attainable. “Ottawa is that this four-season, superb place the place you’re quarter-hour away from path operating,” he says. “You will have year-round teams that wish to cycle and run and ski–it’s exceptional!” He’s philosophical about the truth that the native trails don’t supply the elevation you discover in western Canada: “I do know if somebody from Canmore [Alberta] was listening, they’d snicker,” he says, “however it will get us transferring in the correct course. And the fantastic thing about it’s, it’s year-round for path runners.”