Run Calgary / Calgary Marathon Society

Hall of Fame

In our commitment to the promotion and celebration of road running in Calgary, Run Calgary created the Calgary Marathon Society Hall of Fame.

As the stewards of Canada's oldest marathon, we are committed to acknowledging individuals and organizations who have contributed to the growth and development of road racing in Calgary and Canada.


Hall of Fame Awards

Calgary Marathon Society Hall of Fame Members:


Mary O’Regan

(2026 posthumous)

For Outstanding Contribution to the Calgary Running Community

For more than 20 years, Mary was a familiar and beloved presence at Run Calgary events as a lead and tail cyclist. Her steady presence at the front and unwavering support at the back ensured thousands of participants felt confident, cared for, and never alone on course. Mary will be deeply missed and forever remembered at our start line.

Jeremy & Jeanette Deere

(2026)

For Outstanding Contribution to the Calgary Running Community

Through Strides Running Stores, run clubs, mentorship, events, and philanthropy, Jeremy and Jeanette have helped shape the heart and soul of Calgary’s running community through decades of unwavering passion, leadership, and generosity. The Deeres have created a community where generations of Calgary runners have found belonging.

Raymond Yong

(2026)

The Jim Clampett Volunteer of the Year Award

No matter the role, weather, challenge, or hour, Raymond consistently shows up with positivity, professionalism, and a willingness to do whatever is needed to help the team succeed, even if that means scrapping horse poop from the marathon route. His consistency, kindness, and team-first attitude embody the very best of our volunteer community.

Mahdi Ghorbani

(2026)

COMMUNITY BUILDER SCHOLARSHIP

Mahdi has created a deeply diverse and connected community, bringing together newcomers and long-time residents in a supportive, judgment-free environment. Mahdi has grown the PRT community to 450 members, creating an inclusive space for runners of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. 

CHRIS KOCH

(2025)

INDUSTRY TRAILBLAZER AWARD

After being denied entry to one of the world’s most prestigious races, Chris set out to prove that limits are often self-imposed. Born without arms or legs, he now longboards marathons around the globe, showing what real determination looks like; educating organizers and inspiring participants. Chris first participated in the Calgary Marathon in 2015,  and the 2025 event will be his 21st marathon. Chris’ relentless commitment to representation is changing an industry and showing us that marathons are a space or everyone.

GORD HOBBINS

(2025 posthumous)

For Outstanding Contribution to the Calgary Running Community

Gord Hobbins was a true pillar of Calgary’s running community, a passionate runner, pioneering entrepreneur, and one of the original figures who helped shape the city’s vibrant running culture. As an early advocate for the sport, Gord inspired generations through his dedication, mentorship, and superior running shoe fitting abilities. He never forgot a face, always had time for a chat, volunteered at so many local events and was known for his humour and patience.

SCOTT MCARTHUR

(2025)

The Jim Clampett Volunteer of the Year Award

For more than a decade, Scott McArthur has been a cornerstone of the Run Calgary volunteer team. What began as a one-off commitment at the 2014 Calgary Marathon soon evolved into a year-round role, as Scott continually raised his hand to help and kept showing up as the organization expanded and launched new events. Over the years, he’s taken on dozens of roles, including unique projects like the ill-fated 50 km relay of 2020, or course directing the “60K for 60 Years” event in 2024.

ANASTASIIA KUTSIAK & YURIY ZABAVA

(2025)

COMMUNITY BUILDER SCHOLARSHIP

Anastasiia and Yuriy escaped war in Ukraine and found each other in Calgary. A Strava message led to more than just a friendship and eventual marriage, it sparked the Ukrainian Unity Runners, founded in April 2023. From just seven runners at their first meetup to over 250 in a buzzing WhatsApp group, the club has become a home away from home, offering support, connection, and a space to speak their language.

SARAH ITANI

(2024)

INDUSTRY TRAILBLAZER AWARD

Sarah is paving the way for better representation with global running brands. She is having uncomfortable conversations, educating marketers and clothing designers, and helping change how Muslim runners are represented through her global collaborations. When she’s not trailblazing in the run industry, she is breaking down barriers in her day job as the vice-president of development with a local real estate developer.

LOUISE TAYLOR

(2024)

For Outstanding Contribution to the Calgary Running Community

Louise has been quietly supporting the Calgary running community for decades. A passionate runner and triathlete, Louise first joined the Calgary Marathon Society Board of Directors in 2010 where she has served a total of 13 years including 5 as secretary and 5 as board chair. She can often be found in the medical tent on Calgary Marathon race day and volunteering at other Run Calgary races throughout the year.

ROBERT ‘BAUB’ KYLE

(2024 posthumous)

The Jim Clampett Volunteer of the Year Award

Baub grew up in and around the running community, being dragged most weekends by his parents Doug (Calgary Marathon Founder) and Carol to various track meets and races. It didn't deter him however, from becoming a steadfast volunteer. Volunteering at a Calgary Marathon aid station became a real Kyle family affair with three generations of Kyle men handing out water. In 2016 Baub joined the key volunteer committee and headed up the waste management team for 5 years. Baub never missed a social, orientation or wrap up event and could always be counted on to go above and beyond.

ANITA CARDINAL-STEWART

(2024)

COMMUNITY BUILDER SCHOLARSHIP

Anita Cardinal-Stewart is Nêhiyaw (Cree) and a member of Woodland Cree First Nation, and currently lives on Treaty 6 Territory (also known as Edmonton). Anita is the founder of Indigenous Runners YEG and the founder and race director for the annual Orange Shirt Day Run/Walk. When she is not running ultra marathons, Anita works as a lawyer providing a strong voice for human rights issues and children in care.

Alice Daszkowski

(2023)

For Outstanding Contribution to the Calgary Running Community

Alice has been our Awards Lead for the past 20 years and has helped us evolve the Awards production through four Venue sites from Millenium Park, to Bridgleand to the Stampede Grandstand and now to Enmax Park.  Alice has brought forward her sparkling personality and enthusiastic attention to detail to ensure that the awards recipients feel well recognized for their accomplishments. 

Lynn Tajcnar

(2023)

The Jim Clampett Volunteer of the Year Award

For many years, Lynn has been supporting the Run Calgary community and the Servus Calgary Marathon in a variety of volunteer roles. In 2022, with the return to in-person interactions with participants, Lynn brought forth her project management skills to elevate and streamline the Package Pick-Up experience. Lynn has also been a dedicated Tail Cyclist for most of our events, bringing the last runner or walker in safely and cheering them on along the way.

Shamel Elsayed

(2022)

Honouring a Decade Long Charity Participant

2022 is Shamel's tenth year participating in the Calgary Marathon race weekend and raising funds for Spinal Cord Injury Alberta through the Charity Challenge. In that time, Shamel has raised over $200,000 for SCIA, a commitment he made after receiving critical support from the organization 30+ years ago when a life altering injury left him in a wheelchair.

Sharon and Tom Higgins

(2022)

The Jim Clampett Volunteer of the Year Award

Beginning in 2017, Sharon and Tom have helped with many different Run Calgary events. Additionally, when the pandemic hit, Run Calgary shifted to virtual events with Sharon and Tom volunteering thousands of hours to pack and ship countless race packages. The Run Calgary Volunteer Program has benefited immeasurably from their leadership, commitment, and willingness to tackle big tasks.

Elaine Kupser

(2021)

For 30 Years of Positive Impact

Elaine has been delivering Calgary health and wellness content to this community for 30 years through Impact Magazine. As publisher, she has elevated the wellbeing of Canadians. We eat better, discover new ways to sweat and champion Canadian athletes because Impact keeps us informed.

Trevor Hofbauer

(2021)

For Inspiring a Generation

Trevor represented Canada in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the Mens Marathon. On his way, he dazzled the Canadian running scene with his humble approach, coaching himself and breaking records along the way. He inspires all levels of runners to believe in themselves and chase their dreams.

Dan Ouimet

(2021)

For Outstanding Contribution to the Calgary Running Community

Dan Ouimet sat on the Board of Directors for 11 years, 10 as President and Board Chair. Under his leadership, the organization went from 5000 to 15,000 participants and expanded its elite program, race series and even hosted a National Championships.

Doug Bassett

(2021 posthumous)

The Jim Clampett Volunteer of the Year Award

Doug was an exemplary volunteer, never balking at the early call times or nippy late season conditions. Doug was our volunteer sound technician and he elevated Run Calgary race experiences during his 4 years volunteering with the organization.

Liane Blandford

(2019)

The Jim Clampett Volunteer of the Year Award

Liane manages 350/1500 race weekend volunteers who are responsible for participants bibs, race transfer, late reg and t-shirts. And she does it all without breaking a sweat.

Gerry Miller

(2018)

For Outstanding Contribution to the Calgary Running Community

Dr. Gerry is a Calgary Marathon legend, becoming an octogenarian 6-star World Marathon Major finisher in 2021. Dr. Gerry has led hundreds of runners through the finish over the years as a pacer.

Dr Andrew Wade

(2018)

The Jim Clampett Volunteer of the Year Award

For elevating the medical protocols at the Calgary Marathon through his dedication to sport medicine and the organization.

Kim Anderson

(2016)

The Jim Clampett Volunteer of the Year Award

For her tireless dedication to check your bag AND get it back to you - has been leading the Huntington Society's Bag Check for the last 7 years.

Dave and Linda Foo

(2016)

The Jim Clampett Volunteer of the Year Award

For a decade of service to the organizing committee as the sign coordinators. The job where you don't even get to see the race.

Rob Reid

(2015)

For Outstanding Contribution to the Calgary Running Community

A four-time champion of the Calgary Marathon ('80 '81 '82 and '86) Rob relocated from Calgary to Victoria in 1987, and opened an independent running store. Rob is the chair of the Terry Fox Centre and supports the Victoria Marathon as the store sponsor.

Helly Visser

(2015)

For Outstanding Contribution to the Calgary Running Community

Helly was a remarkable runner (and not just for her age) running well into her 80s. She holds half a dozen Masters World Records and was often recognized out running in and around Calgary or on the track. Helly died at 89-years old in November 2024.

Barrie Griffiths

(2015)

The Jim Clampett Volunteer of the Year Award

For more than a decade Barrie volunteered on both the committee (Aid Station Captain) and the board (Treasurer). He is often the first to put his hand up to volunteer on race day in a variety of roles at many Run Calgary races.

Ed Bickley

(2014)

Retired Bib #501

We retired Ed's bib #501 and inducted him in to the Hall of Fame in our 50th Anniversary celebrations for his many years of participation in the Calgary Marathon races.

Jim Clampett

(2014)

For Outstanding Contribution to the Calgary Running Community, Posthumous

Jim's tireless dedication to amateur athletes in their pursuit of excellence found him on both the board and committee for many years. We celebrated 50 years of the Calgary Marathon with Jim the night before he passed suddenly on the ski hill doing what he loved.

Lorna Hawley

(2014)

For Outstanding Contribution to the Calgary Running Community

Lorna Hawley did a lot to promote competitive running for women, winning the race from 1981 - 1985.

Patricia Webster

(2014)

The Jim Clampett Volunteer of the Year Award

20 Years of Service to The Calgary Marathon Society as the medical coordinator. When Pat "retired" and moved to Kelowna, we replaced her with 3 people.

Angus Cowan

(2013)

For Outstanding Contribution to the Calgary Running Community

Going in to its 18th year in 2019, Amble with Angus, an idea sparked over coffee, has fundraised over $400,000 for the Calgary Food Bank.

Dr. Peter Neiman

(2013)

For Exceptional Efforts Promoting Running in the Calgary Community

Dr. Nieman has been promoting healthy, active living by being a living example to his patients and community for decades. His run streak began in December 16, 2009 and continues into 2022!

Carmen Robinson

(2013)

First Female Marathon Winner: 1975, Posthumous

Carmen Robinson of Banff was the first recorded female finisher in 1975 with a time of 3:50:12.

Tamara & Rob Stichbury

(2013)

Volunteers of the Year Award

The Stichburys are the heart, brain and soul of the Calgary Marathon. Few runners may know their name or recognize their faces as this humble couple have served behind the scenes for over 20 years. Working with 5 race directors over 4 venue changes, their tireless commitment has allowed the race to evolve and provided necessary continuity. Please never retire.

The Calgary Roadrunners

Founding Club of the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon

The Calgary Marathon was birthed and supported in its infancy by the board of the Calgary Roadrunners. Eventually it required its own board but the connection to its founding club have remained strong.

Bill Wyllie

First Race Director in 1963

Bill started running in the 1960s and ran until just a few months before he died in 2016. He was well-known in the Calgary running community and organized many races, including as first ever race director in '63. He coached UCalgary's cross-country team and raced competitively from the mile to ultra- marathons, including over 70 marathons.

Martin Parnell

Author, Speaker and Guinness World Record Holder

Martin started his "Quests for Kids" initiative completing 10 "Quests" and raising $1.3m for Right To Play. His quests included running 250 marathons in one year, setting five Guinness World Records and summiting Mount Kilimanjaro in 21 hours, resulting in 27,000 children being given the gift of hope.

Dr. Benno M. Nigg

Researcher, University of Calgary

Dr. Nigg's research on biomechanics, knee injury and prevention furthered sport medicine contributing to the knowledge that keeps runners running longer. All hail Dr. Nigg.

Marcel LaMontagne

Course Measurer

For many years and iterations of the Calgary Marathon route, Marcel ensured the course was exact. Waiting until the snow melted, he went out with a police escort and over the years using different technologies, measured and submitted the routes for sanctioning and certification. Marcel also organized the lead cyclists until stepping down in 2016.

Doug Kyle

Founder of the Calgary Marathon

Doug Kyle represented Canada in the 1954 British Empire Games, the 1956 and 1960 Olympic Games, and the 1959 and 1963 Pan American Games. At the 1959 Pan Am Games, he won a silver in the 10,000m and a bronze in the 5000m races. Doug won 14 Canadian Open Championships and held Canadian Open records in 11 different distances. 

Margaret Carleton-Glover

Race Director Alumni

Carlton-Glover was the event's first ever female race director in the 1980's and is largely credited for taking Calgary Marathon to the next level during the running boom.

 

Community Builder Scholarship Nominations

Nominations coming soon for the 2027 Community Builder Scholarship!

We love learning about people in our community who are getting up to rad things and we are beyond thrilled when we are able to support those efforts. We are currently seeking nominations to find one exceptional leader doing remarkable things to get people moving and creating change. Run Calgary will honour the winner during race week at an awards evening and is providing $3000 in funding, coaching and/or marketing support to uplift this individual, helping them build momentum and amplifying their passion project.