Stryders of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.
The newly re-formed club, originally started in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., in 1985, now promotes running for fun and mental health
Originally started in 1985 in association with the ymca in Sault Ste. Marie, the Sault Stryders were known locally as speedy and serious runners, but weren’t seen as the most inclusive group. In 2017 the club was in danger of shutting down when lifelong runner Brian
Read took over as president and made the club independent of the Y. He and his wife, Ruth, along with two others, overhauled the group’s mission.
One of them was Chelsea Vanceeder, who answered Read’s call for help, becoming the group’s treasurer and social media manager as a way to connect with others in the local running community.
Since the pandemic hit, the running scene has exploded in the area, Vanceeder says: “More people have time and want to explore locally what we have here in ssm. Runners are really pushing the limits here, conquering ultramarathon distances, elevation, technical trails, run streaks and marathons.” There is a great crop of local races to choose from, including the Ultra Trail Stokely Creek, which is a utmb (Ultra Trail du Mont-Blanc) qualifier, though plans for 2021 are still up in the air.
Since the group’s renaissance, it has offered a variety of quirky and fun group runs and events. The Stryders meet every Tuesday at 6 p.m., and on Sundays for long runs on the trails at Hiawatha Highlands. In the summer, they hold Toonie Tuesdays, which consist of a 5 km run around the city, followed by a yoga class, ice cream or some other social activity funded by the club. “We encourage runners to throw a toonie in a hat, and half the money goes to the draw winner and the other half to the club’s account,”
Vanceeder says. They also collaborate with a mental health organization called Strong Minds. “Mental health in our community is in crisis, with limited access to programs,” says Vanceeder. She mentions that many club members started running as part of their mental health journey, and that camaraderie and support are integral to the group’s values.
The Stryders also put on summer and winter solstice runs, a costumed Great Pumpkin run and a Boxing Day run with a post-run spa visit. Their events also include draw prizes and post-event refreshments, usually at The Boiler Room, a local favourite. But the run that stands out is the Mile Hill Run that Vanceeder organizes in October. Runners are invited to run repeats of an infamous hill in Goulais River, consecutively or otherwise, throughout the weekend, earning an entry into a prize draw for every repeat. Runners also compete for the crowns and local legend titles.
Over the years, the club has become a family for many of Sault Ste. Marie’s runners. “It really transcends the sport, as our connections are real, unique and valuable,” says Vanceeder. “We celebrate each individual’s goals, and when life happens, we come together to protect and support each other. It’s a run family, and all are welcome.”
“It really transcends the sport, as our connections are real, unique and valuable”