Building Community with the Russell Run Club
In Eastern Ontario, a run club has been operating for over a decade — and it continues to grow. The Russell Run Club offers events and programs for all ages and abilities, including group runs, Learn to Run programs, running clinics and coaching, track workouts, Youth Run Club, and Run Jump Throw. “For a small community, we are proud of the club we’ve built,” says Michelle Leduc, founder and head coach. Counting over 110 members, the Russell Run Club welcomes members from Russell and Embrun, but also attracts runners from Cornwall and Ottawa – and beyond!
The club is registered with Athletics Ontario, and with their guidance and support, the run club has created a safe, supportive environment. “I’ve learned that the hardest part of running (or walking or any activity) is simply getting out the door — our club makes that step easier. This is through our values of respect, support, inclusivity, leadership and fun,” Michelle says.
Creating events for all ages and abilities
Photo credit: Russell Run Club
Held annually in October, the group hosts the Russell Run, which includes options ranging from a short 1.2 km option to a 10 km race. “Beyond that, the club has launched other unique events including a sunrise-to-sunset track ultra, a snowshoe race, a Community Track Fest, and the Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail Challenge. Our goal is to create fun, memorable experiences that go beyond typical road races; events where participants can surprise themselves by doing things they once thought impossible.”
The Great Canadian Hike: a group challenge
Photo credit: Russell Run Club
This year, the Russell Run Club is joining the Great Canadian Hike under its own team name, and they’ve set an ambitious goal of covering 3,000 kilometres! They’re planning to meet their goal through their regular training runs, youth programs, a weekly 5 km parkrun, and of course through their marquee events: the Russell Run and the Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail Challenge. For the latter event, participants register to run 25, 50, or 80 kilometres, including a route along the Trans Canada Trail.
A trail challenge inspired by Ultra running
Photo credit: Russell Run Club
The Prescott-Russell Trail Recreational Trail Challenge was inspired by the Prairie Spirit Ultra in Kansas. Michelle participated in 2023. “I loved the feeling of entering each town, meeting aid station volunteers, and being surrounded by encouragement and community. After finishing, I told the organizers I wanted to bring something similar to my community,” Michelle explains. She connected with Eric Collard, Executive Director of the Sentier Récreatif Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail, and with the support of the run club, they launched a relay version of the event in 2024 as a pilot. This year, they’ve expanded with new distances and solo options.
Why the Russell Run Club is inspired to give back
Photo credit: Russell Run Club
Through a connection with Meggie Carrier, Trans Canada Trail’s social media coordinator, Michelle became more interested in the Trans Canada Trail network. As an ultrarunner, Michelle has set several fastest known times (FKTs) on several rail trails in Eastern Ontario — the K and P, the Cataraqui Trail, Algonquin Trail, Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail, and Sentier Récréatif Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail – all of which are part of the Trans Canada Trail.
This deep appreciation of trails in and around her community is what inspires her to give back to organizations that help keep trails within the Trans Canada Trail network safe and accessible, through events like the Great Canadian Hike and the Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail Challenge.
“For me, trails mean safety. The Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail and New York Central Fitness Trail provide safe environments for training, especially as our towns continue to grow and road traffic increases. Beyond safety, trails are about connection: a chance to unwind, detach from daily pressures, and reconnect with nature.”
Russell Run Club’s tips for getting active
Photo credit: Russell Run Club
• Just get out the door. You’ll be glad you did.
• Join a run club – it makes all the difference, both for motivation and a sense of safety and community.
• When choosing your run club, do your research. Choosing a registered run club with a provincial organization like Athletics Ontario will ensure it is run safely and that certified coaches are involved.
• Focus on consistency. A 10-20 minute jog is a great start, and small, steady efforts add up.
• Have fun!
Follow the Russell Run Club’s progress on their Great Canadian Hike kilometre goals!
Donate to support the Great Canadian Hike.
