Ep 59 - Gillian Roberts

Ep 59 - Gillian Roberts

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.

Ep 58 - Andrew Cusmano

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.

Ep 57 - Santiago Gaitan

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.

Ep 56 - Max Turek

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.

Ep 55 - Russell Pennock

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.