RUNVAN Rundown

Episode 59 - This week on the RUNVAN Podcast, Julia sits down with Gillian Roberts, who experienced the 2026 BMO Vancouver Marathon from a very different perspective than planned. After cancer prevented her from racing, Gillian spent the day handing out medals and cheering on runners at the finish line. The runner, teacher, fundraiser, and cancer advocate from Prince George shares her experience living with ovarian cancer, the role running has played throughout her journey, and how community continues to carry her through life's challenges.

Episode 5 8 - This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Andrew Cusmano, Bowerman Track Club Elite athlete, marathon breakout, and unofficial BMO Vancouver Marathon ambassador.

Andrew talks about finishing 5th in his marathon debut at BMO Vancouver in 2025, returning with a huge crew again in 2026, and navigating a race this year that didn’t go to plan which ultimately led to him stepping off course. We dive into marathon racing, chasing an Olympic Trials qualifier, resetting after a tough day, and of course, the story behind the crop top.

Episode 57 - This week on the RUNVAN Podcast, we sit down with Canadian distance runner fresh off his second place finish at the 2026. We talk about training in Utah, representing Canada at World Cross Country Championships, the highs and lows of NCAA racing at, and the mindset behind becoming one of Canada’s rising distance talents. Plus, Santiago exposes his questionable Strava habits and admits he still hasn’t figured out how to stay on his feet for a full 10K.

Episode 56 - Fresh off winning the 2026 BMO Vancouver Half Marathon in 1:03:29, the fastest time ever by a Canadian on the course, Max Turek joins the podcast to break down his race, why he chose Vancouver, and what it meant to celebrate the win with family on course. We also talk about balancing elite running with a full-time career, plus how becoming a father earlier this year has changed his perspective on training, racing, and life.

Episode 55 - A marathon debut to remember. Russell Pennock places 2nd at the Vancouver Marathon in 2:22:32, just 29 seconds off the win, and finishes as the top Canadian. We get into his background, the decision to step up to the marathon, how the race unfolded, and what this result means moving forward.

Episode 54 - This week, we sit down with Teresa Tomchak; marathoner, Team Canada age-group triathlete, lawyer, and Chair of the RUNVAN Board. We talk training longevity, competing while managing a busy professional life, lessons from sport, and her perspective on the evolution and future of RUNVAN.

Episode 53 - Julia sits down Mel Paauwe, 2025 BMO Vancouver Half Marathon champion, to talk about her journey in running, her growth as a Masters athlete, and her work coaching with We Run the World.

Mel shares how her relationship with the sport has evolved, what’s driven her consistency, and how she approaches training and longevity.

With Vancouver race weekend approaching, Mel reflects on the event from a different perspective this year and what she’s looking forward to watching unfold on the course.

Episode 52 - Sergio Ráez-Villanueva is back! If you’ve been around BMO Vancouver Marathon weekend, you know the energy he brings.

We talk racing, community, and everything in between; from a top-10 finish at 50km Worlds in India to helping Yuki Kawauchi off the ground mid-race last year.

Why Vancouver feels like a “family gathering,” and why Sergio keeps coming back.

Episode 51 - In this episode, we chat with Nick Kleban, Head of Product & Scientific Projects at XACT Nutrition, the official on-course nutrition partner of the BMO Vancouver Marathon.

A competitive cyclist and former coach, Nick shares his approach to fuelling for endurance performance, common mistakes runners make, and practical tips for race day.

If you’re gearing up for BMO Vancouver Marathon or looking to simplify your nutrition, this one’s for you.

Episode 50 - Race weekend is almost here, so we’re breaking down the marathon and half marathon courses.

Julia sits down with Operations Manager Andrew to walk through the route, key sections to look out for, and what runners can expect from start to finish. They also get into aid stations, course flow, and a few insider details from the operations side.

A practical listen to help you feel more prepared on the start line.