Ultra Runner Profiles – Jodi McNeill and Norman Nadon

While I usually write profiles on individual runners, I was taken by the story of this trail running duo. Married couple Jodi McNeill and Norman Nadon, have made running their careers. They first owned a running store together and now manage a race series full time. Norm and Jodi are the founders and Race Directors of Gotta Run Racing. Gotta Run hosts a trail race series in Ontario including the Rainbow Trail Run, Island Lake Classic and their signature race, Chase the Coyote. Chase the Coyote takes places in the beautiful Mono Cliffs park in Orangeville Ontario. The trail race is in its 10th year and is tentatively scheduled for September 18, 2021.

In addition to their in person races, Gotta Run has recently launched the We Run the North virtual 10 km race series. I’ve signed up to run six provinces: British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. I’m excited to receive the beautiful medals after I complete my runs. The medals feature Canada’s national parks and were designed by Alison Grant, a local artist and runner. We Run the North was recently featured in an article with Get Out There magazine.

I met Jodi through Instagram last year when she was planning a trail run in her previous hometown of Georgetown, Ontario. Jodi contacted me for some recommendations on my local trails and I was happy to help out. I recently appeared as a guest on Gotta Run’s new podcast and I’m excited for the podcast’s release in the next week or two. 

During our podcast chat, I learned that Jodi wasn’t always a runner. She got into the sport after she started dating Norm. Jodi didn’t like waiting around for Norm at all of his races so she decided to participate in them. Now an accomplished ultra runner, Jodi has completed trail races around the world. She ran 100 km at the notable Javelina Jundred in 2019 and also won the award for Most Helpful Volunteer for her work leading up to the race. Prior to Javelina, Jodi ran 50 km at the well known Zion Ultra in 2017. 

Norm also has an impressive running resume. He placed 5th overall in the 2017 Black Spur Ultra 108 km, a rugged mountain race which takes place in Kimberley, BC. What’s more, Norm has completed a number of premier trail races including the Leadville 100, Zion 100 and Canadian Death Race. Norm had an unbelievable year of racing planned for 2020. He gained entry into three of the biggest long distance races in the world, Western States 100, Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc and the Boston Marathon. Unfortunately, Covid-19 intervened and Norm needed to postpone his dream races. Norm still has plans to run all three races when travel restrictions are lifted.

I’m looking forward to following the future adventures of this ultra running couple. Whether it’s running the Mozart 100 together in Salzburg, Austria, Jodi and Norm are always doing interesting things.

Gotta Run Racing’s web site – link

Gotta Run Racing’s Youtube channel – link

Jodi McNeill’s ultra race results – link

Norman Nadon’s ultra race results – link