Running News Daily

Canadian hip-hop artist runs 42.2 kilometres for 100 consecutive days

Inspired by ultrarunner Ryan Keeping, Toronto-based artist Dillan Ponders ran a marathon every day for 100 consecutive days to raise awareness for men's mental health.

Dillan Ponders, a 32-year-old independent hip-hop artist from Toronto, has completed an incredible challenge: running 42.2 kilometres—the marathon distance—every day for 100 consecutive days. Starting on June 17 and finishing on Sept. 24, Ponders covered a total of 4,358 kilometres, shining a spotlight on an often-overlooked issue—men’s mental health.

Ponders undertook this marathon mission both as a personal challenge and to raise awareness about the silent struggles many men face. “I used to be a drug addict; I was homeless. Now, I am three years sober,” Ponders shares. He says his journey from addiction to sobriety has been life-changing, with running playing a key role in his recovery. “Running saved my life. So many men are battling with mental health and trying to find their purpose.”

The idea for 100 marathons in 100 days was inspired by Nova Scotia’s Ryan Keeping, who ran across Canada earlier this year in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Like Keeping, Ponders organized a meet-up on the final day of his challenge, where many Toronto runners joined him to celebrate his achievement.

The road to recovery

Ponders recalls the turning point when he gave up alcohol during his birthday weekend in 2021, at an all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic: “I was drinking a 26-er every day for over two years, and I’d had a problem with alcohol since graduating high school,” he admits. “I had stopped hard drugs, but still leaned heavily on alcohol. I was overweight, deeply depressed, drinking myself into a downward spiral, and even throwing up blood. I knew I needed to make a change.”

Running became his tool for overcoming addiction. Every time his mind craved alcohol, he laced up his shoes and went for a run instead. “Some days, I was running three or four times a day,” Ponders recalls. “It was tough, but it helped.”

After two months of consistent running, Ponders started noticing major changes in his health and well-being. “I began to see physical improvements. I was getting stronger, sleeping better, and had more energy,” he says. In six months, he lost 90 pounds. He ran his first marathon at the Toronto GoodLife Marathon in the spring of 2022, and hasn’t looked back.

The connection to music

Running hasn’t only transformed Ponders physically and mentally—it’s also had a profound impact on his music career. “I’ve gone through a lot of change over the past five years, and so has my music. I feel like I’m making the best music I’ve ever made,” he says. “I’m currently the highest-streamed independent hip-hop artist in Canada. Running has given me more clarity in the studio, and I now feel comfortable speaking about my traumas in my music.”

Balancing his rigorous running routine with his music career, Ponders has been consistently producing and releasing new songs. His music is available on all major streaming platforms, and he credits his music career with giving him the freedom to pursue his running goals.

Although his 100-marathon challenge has ended, a new goal awaits: in three weeks, Ponders will line up for the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, where he hopes to beat his previous marathon time of 3:30.

Halifax man completes run across Canada in 99 days

Ryan Keeping ran from St. Johns to Victoria in 99 days to raise money for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

As a touching tribute to one man’s hero, Terry Fox, and to support the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Ryan Keeping of Halifax has run across Canada in 99 days. On Sunday, July 7, Keeping completed his 7,386-kilometer trans-Canada journey in Victoria, running more than 75 kilometers daily and raising more than $200,000 for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Keeping began his journey on April 1 in St. John’s, intending to end in Victoria within 100 days. He says his goal was not to chase any records, but to meet amazing people, hear the stories of Canadians along the way and raise money for a cause close to his heart.

“This wasn’t about a record, a time, or bragging rights,” Keeping wrote about his achievement. “This was about Canada, the children, and the amazing people along the way. The interactions throughout the 99 days changed my life forever, and I thank everyone for that. I am forever grateful for this journey, and I hope we can all take a lesson from this, that anything is possible, whether you’re a couch potato or an athlete.”

Like his hero, Fox, Keeping had a reason for his cross-country run. Several of his family members, including his dad and his grandfather, have been affected by heart disease. Recently, both of his siblings have tested positive for the gene causing heart issues. His decision to run across Canada to raise funds and awareness was to help other families like his, who have been affected by heart disease.

Keeping ran through nine of Canada’s 10 provinces, holding meet-and-greets and running events as he passed major cities: Toronto, Winnipeg, Calgary and Vancouver. He celebrated his finish by pouring a jug of water from the Atlantic into the Pacific Ocean. “It’s what Terry wanted, and I’m happy to say I could honor my run for him,” said Keeping.