About Us
Run Locale was founded by two trail runners with a mission to connect people to place and community through the joie de vivre of trail running.
We’re a Canadian non-profit dedicated to building an inclusive trail running culture in Ontario and beyond. Through trail clubs, races, programs, and events, we weave together community and culture, terrain and terroir, to provide people of all levels and paces unique trail running experiences that foster lifelong connections to the sport and the special places that move us.
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We organize weekday and weekly group runs that cater to runners of all ages, levels, and abilities. Our goal is to inspire the joie de vivre of trail running through exceptional community-based experiences that highlight local trails, local terroir, and the best parts of the regions where we operate.
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We’re working on bringing the challenge and excitement of ultra-marathons and backyard ultras to trail running communities in Ontario and beyond.
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We want you to experience the world of trail running from your locale. Expect guest speakers, community nights, and special training sessions throughout the season.
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Our long-term vision is to share the joie de vivre of trail running with everyone, including youth, older adults, new comers, new runners, and experienced athletes. Our goal is to create programs that welcome people to the sport, help them attain their goals, or just have fun.
Our Team
Andrew Kett
Co-Founder
Andrew is an early riser who, over the years, has grown to love starting his runs in the dark. He thinks that running on trails any time of day or night, in any season and any weather, is a great way to connect with yourself and the place where you are. He believes that “nature is not a place to visit, it is home.”
Andrew has spent his career working for land and water conservation in Ontario—as an outdoor educator, marketer, manager, strategist, and executive; he’s a big proponent of people-centred approaches to environmental work. He’s grateful to have been a part of several capacity-building initiatives in the environmental sector over the years, including leadership development for early-career professionals, executive training for senior staff, and numerous advisory and governance roles in non-profits.
Andrew co-founded Run Locale to give people great experiences running on trails, and maybe help put some great trail running destinations on the map.
Favourite trail: Bruce Trail, Beaver Valley section, or the Long Point beach (if I can call that a trail) in a winter storm.
Favourite race: Sulphur Springs is a classic close to home but I’ll take Quebec Mega Trail for Mestachibo.
Race I’d like to run: Barkley, but I’d settle for Hardrock.
Favourite trail run snack: Montreal-style bagel, sesame.
Favourite piece of gear: Patagonia Houdini jacket. Essential.
Co-Founder
Calantha began ultra-distance trail running because she loves the sense of wild belonging that comes from moving self-supported through remote landscapes. She feels at home on the trails in the Quebec mountains, but she holds a fondness for the unique forests and fauna of the Long Point region.
Calantha has held many professional roles throughout her career, including working in food communications and starting her own sourdough bakery. For the last eight years, she’s worked in the environmental sector and she currently supports the Long Point Biosphere Region with fund development and communications. Calantha is also a UESCA certified ultrarunning coach and ISSA certified strength and conditioning coach, and operates a small coaching business called Method Endurance.
Calantha co-founded Run Locale as a way to support the growth of trail running culture and trail stewardship through creating inclusive programs and events that connect people to place and get more people confident and comfortable on trails.
Favourite trail: Lac Spruce to Round Top in Sutton, Quebec.
Favourite race: Quebec Mega Trail for the vibe; Mont Megantic for the views.
Race you’d like to run: UTMB Mont Blanc or Cocadona 250.
Favourite trail run snack: Pain au raisin.
Favourite piece of gear: Salomon waist belt and Ultraspire waist light.