Anne Francis

1 month ago | runningmagazine.ca | Anne Francis

This review appears in the 2025 Trail Special Issue of Canadian Running, on newsstands now. Merrell MTL Adapt MatryxMen’s 288 g (10.2 oz.)Women’s 231 g (8.2 oz.)Offset/Drop 6 mmStack Height 36 mm/30 mmLug Depth 4 mm$260This new max-cushioned trail shoe from Merrell definitely stands out on the trail for its unusual upper and midsole designs, and firmly establishes the brand in the trail-running space.

1 month ago | runningmagazine.ca | Anne Francis

He’s become a familiar face on the start line of many international marathons and half-marathons, but that may not be the case for a while: on Thursday, Kenya’s Kibiwott Kandie, who set a world record in the half-marathon in 2023, was provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for “evading, refusing or failing to submit to sample collection.” Kandie was the first person to break 58 minutes in the half-marathon; his time was 57:32, smashing the previous record held by his...

1 month ago | runningmagazine.ca | Anne Francis

On March 6 in Vancouver, Ihor Verys of Chilliwack, B.C., was awarded the Best of BC award by Sport BC. Verys has made a name for himself on the North American ultra-trail scene with wins at some of the continent’s toughest ultras (including being the first finisher at the 2024 Barkley Marathons).

1 month ago | runningmagazine.ca | Anne Francis

At this time of year, if you’re running outside, your spiffy new running shoes might be looking a little the worse for wear. With early spring weather come slush, salt and grime, and if you want to keep your shoes from staying grubby, you might be wondering if it’s OK to throw them in the laundry. Most brands will advise against this, since it may damage the technical materials in the shoe (not to mention your machine), but there are safe ways of cleaning your shoes and keeping them looking good.

2 months ago | runningmagazine.ca | Anne Francis

This review appears in the March/April 2025 issue of Canadian Running, on newsstands now. Asics Novablast 5Category Neutral cushioningMen’s 255 g (9.0 oz.)Women’s 225 g (7.9 oz.)Offset/Drop 8 mmStack Height 41.5 mm/33.5 mm (men’s), 40.5 mm/32.5 mm (women’s)$180The Asics Novablast, first introduced in 2019, has become an indispensable trainer for many Canadian runners.