OUSer & the Start of Ultra Running in Ontario
Founding and Early Years (1989-2000)
The Ontario Ultra Series (OUSer) was established in 1989 by founders Edwin Alexander, Doug Barber, Norm Patenaude, Rolly Portelance, and Tom Jewiss. The series initially focused exclusively on ultra-distance events of 50 kilometers or greater, with manual timing systems.
Edwin Alexander served as Series Coordinator from 1989 to 2000, establishing the operational framework that would guide the organization for decades. A notable milestone during this period was the Golden Horseshoe Fifty Miler on September 30, 1990, which became the premier international and national ultra-running event in Canadian history.
During the early 1990s, registration processes were entirely paper-based. Runners received a unified race form listing all series events, photocopied waivers and race applications, and mailed them with payment to individual race directors. If your cheque cleared, you were in!
OUTRace Launches
Growth and Evolution (2000-2006)
Gord England assumed the Series Coordinator role from 2000 to 2006, overseeing a significant expansion of the organization’s offerings. The introduction of the Trail Series (25-32 km distances) broadened accessibility and proved instrumental to the series’ long-term sustainability. This expansion prompted the rebranding to Ontario Ultra and Trail Series, later shortened to OUTRace.
In 2003, Tony Martin launched the Spring Warm-Up fundraiser at the Waterloo Recreation Complex, attracting 55 participants to 22 km and 44 km distances on a 4 km asphalt loop. Revenue from this annual event has consistently supported race directors by subsidizing series fees and enabling new race inclusion.
Modernization and Professionalization (2007-2022)
Scott Myers served as Series Coordinator in 2007, advancing promotional strategies and implementing board-level initiatives that elevated the organization’s profile.
From 2008 to 2017, Sharon Zelinski led the series through a period of substantial growth, securing sponsorships, maintaining consistent communication with race directors, and increasing visibility through on-site promotion at member events.
Pierre Marcoux coordinated OUTRace from 2018 to 2022, maintaining organizational continuity through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and continuing to host the Spring Warm-Up fundraiser through 2023.
Current Leadership (2024-Present)
Following several interim directors (Tony Martin and Lisa Ureel), Kathy Webber assumed the role of OUTRace Coordinator in October 2024. The organization is refining its mission to improve our support for and service to the trail and ultra-running community across Ontario.
Acknowledgments
The success of OUTRace from 1989 to present has been supported by dedicated volunteers in key operational roles:
- Statisticians: Jim Orr, David Rahn (current)
- Webmasters: Giles Malet, Esmond Mah, Stephan Miklos (current)
- Treasurers: Katharine Christopoulos, Audrey de Koenig (current)
- Social Media Moderators: Dave Varty, Heather Borsellino
- Record Keeper: David Blaikie
For corrections or additions to this history, please contact coordinator@outrace.ca.