Who We Are

Gotta Run Racing is comprised of a husband and wife team who love everything Running /Trail Running related.

Gotta Run Racing is the place for our in person Running Events and Virtual Events, and our Gotta Run Racing Podcast/Youtube channel.

Norman has always been sporty from a young age but he took up adventure racing on a dare from Jodi after they watched the series Eco Challenge back in the late 90’s. He quickly learned that fitness doesn’t always translate to other sports when he bonked during the run portion of the race. He decided to train for the Toronto marathon to improve his running capacity. After waiting at the finish line for what seemed like hours, and watching runners of all ages, sizes and abilities cross the finish line, Jodi decided she would also give it a try, despite having zero athleticism or interest in sports as a kid. After completing her first 10K at the Mississauga Marathon in 2004, she was hooked. Norman and Jodi soon turned their focus to trail running, as they are surrounded by an incredible network of trails in their home region of Dufferin County.

Between 2004 and 2010 they sought out longer distances races, including ultramarathons, in Ontario as well as further afield including The Canadian Death Race in Alberta and Leadville in Colorado.

Since 2010, they have competed in several races around the world including Western States 100, Javelina 100, Mozart 100, Cappadocia Trail, UTMB, Moab Run the Rocks, and Swiss Alps.

Their passion for running soon sparked an idea to create a place for their fellow enthusiasts to gather for camaraderie, technical running gear and trail racing.

In the spring of 2011, they opened Running Free Orangeville and the following year, they hosted the very first Chase the Coyote Trail Race at Mono Cliffs Provincial Park.

Chase the Coyote celebrated 10 years in its final running in 2022 and along the way, the added other races including Island Lake Classic, Rainbow Trail Race and the Lost Treasure Trail Race.

After selling Running Free Orangeville in late 2019 and being cut off from their community of runners due to the pandemic, they started a podcast to reunite with their running friends and bring more awareness and content to the Canadian ultra running scene. They recently celebrated their 100th episode and look forward to many more!