2025: From Vision to Visibility
- Michelle Leduc
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Years ago, I wrote down a vision that felt bold at the time:
The Russell Run Club will be a model community running club that empowers people to pursue their goals, celebrate their town, and share the joy of running with others.
Back then, the club was a handful of runners meeting at the Park & Ride. Writing those words felt ambitious. Maybe even a little unrealistic.
But after this year, I can say this with confidence:
We are well on our way.
Something shifted in 2025. Russell Township knows who we are now. We don’t hear “I didn’t know Russell had a run club” anymore. Instead, people recognize us. They see us on the roads and trails, in the local paper, and on social media. The mayor and council know our name. They reply to emails. They showed up at the Russell Run.
We also built real connections beyond our town. We showed up at neighbouring clubs’ events, supported their races, and formed relationships that feel genuine, not transactional. That’s the kind of running community we believe in.
One of the biggest moments this year was our run across Prescott–Russell. What started as an idea turned into something much bigger. Their director became our biggest cheerleader, talking about our club and our event to mayors, councils, and community groups. Because of that, doors are opening.
Then there was the Great Canadian Hike with the Trans Canada Trail. A small-town running club committing to 3,000 kilometres raised a few eyebrows. There was skepticism. But we showed up, did the work, and smashed the goal. The national write-up and social media attention that followed weren’t just nice extras. They were proof that what we’re building here is worth noticing.
Provincially, there’s still more ground to cover. Much of the running conversation in Ontario remains centred around larger urban hubs, and smaller communities like ours are often overlooked.
That’s changing. In 2026, one of my goals is to bring the Russell Run Club into that wider conversation through out connection with Athletics Ontario. Because what’s happening here is worth sharing.
But 2025 wasn’t just about visibility.
It was about people.
We watched someone show up to Learn to Run simply hoping to survive, and leave proud of finishing a 5K. We watched runners push past limits they never thought possible and earn the title of ultrarunner. We saw a community rally around someone after a tough first marathon experience and help her turn it into her own adventure.
This was also the first year we put real structure in place. A Board of Directors. Clear roles. Bylaws, policies, and procedures. Not because paperwork is fun, but because a strong club needs a strong foundation.
Our kids’ programs exploded. Over 100 kids ran, jumped, threw, laughed, and discovered what their bodies could do.
Group runs regularly hit 10–15 people. Learn to Run continues to thrive.
We refined our formulas. And they’re working.
Looking back, 2025 feels like our dress rehearsal.
2026 is the show.
None of this happens without volunteers.
This group shows up. Always has. I couldn’t have built this club without them, and I don’t take that lightly.
As we grow, it becomes even more important to remember what it feels like to walk into your first group run. It’s intimidating. You don’t know where you fit. Faster? Slower? Do I belong here?
When you see a new runner, remember this:
They are the future of this club.
I’ve said many times that the Russell Run Club does two things: the group run and the Russell Run. Everything else was a bonus.
After this year, I’ll admit it.
I was wrong.
The kids’ programs and Learn to Run clinics are core to who we are. They bring our vision to life. They allow people of all ages and abilities to grow, to challenge themselves, and yes, to do epic things.
Without them, we’d just be a group of runners posting photos and telling each other how awesome we are.
We’re better than that.
We’re a real run club. Built with integrity. Built with safety at the centre. Built with community in mind.
As we head into 2026, our vision remains the same:
To be a model community running club that empowers people to pursue their goals, celebrate their town, and share the joy of running with others.
And now, finally, the rest of the running community is starting to see it too.
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Feel free to send us an email at info@russellrunclub.ca or message us through Facebook or Instagram
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