Canada’s trail and ultrarunning community has plenty to celebrate as two of its own earned spots on Ultra Running Magazine’s prestigious Ultra Runner of the Year (UROY) list. Quebec’s Marianne Hogan and Ihor Verys of Chilliwack, B.C., both incredibly strong, diverse athletes, made waves on the international stage this year.
Verys: a Barkley breakthrough for Canada
In just a few years since his ultrarunning debut, Verys has already achieved legendary status. The Ukrainian-born runner, now based in B.C., landed 10th in the men’s UROY rankings, bolstered by a year that few could match.
Verys began 2024 with a win at the notoriously tough HURT 100 in Hawaii, setting the tone for an incredible season. His defining moment came when he became one of only 20 runners in the race’s 38-year history (and the only Canadian) to complete—and become the first finisher—of the Barkley Marathons on his first attempt, a feat that has now cemented his place in ultrarunning lore.
Having moved to Canada in 2015 as a student at age 21, Verys has become a proud representative of his adopted country on the world stage. Like Hogan, Verys shares a contagious love for the sport, putting his passion for the running community before podium finishes.
Ihor Verys becomes first Canadian to finish Barkley Marathons
Hogan: a comeback season to remember
Montréal native Hogan claimed 10th place in the women’s UROY rankings. After injuries derailed her 2023 season, Hogan returned stronger than ever in 2024.
She started the year with a 6th-place finish at the Transvulcania 125K in Spain’s Canary Islands, proving she was back in form. Hogan’s season continued to shine when she captured a decisive victory at the Swiss Canyon Trail 111K. However, her crowning achievement came at the iconic UTMB, where she placed third against one of the deepest fields in trail running history. Hogan, who finished second at UTMB in 2022, displayed incredible tenacity, overcoming a hard fall that left her with a dislocated index finger.
A former triathlete, Hogan’s enthusiasm for the sport is evident in her joyful demeanour. She’s passionate about supporting others and was a pacer for friend and fellow ultrarunner Camille Bruyas of France to a second-place finish at Hardrock 100 in Colorado.
Fans not just from Canada, but all over the globe, will be eager to see what races Hogan and Verys choose to astonish us with in 2025.
For the complete list of UROY awards, head here.
