Martin Parnell

Marathoner Martin Parnell didn't start running until he was 47.

Martin had always played a variety of sports, but it wasn't until his late 40s that he put on his first pair of running shoes. Challenged by his two younger brothers to run in the 2003 Calgary Marathon, Martin began his impressive running career. His first official race was the Sudbury 5km "Sun Run" in April 2003, and he finished his first marathon in Calgary the following July. Since catching the running bug, Martin has completed numerous races including marathons, ultra marathons and Ironman events.

In 2005, Martin completed a four-month cycling expedition from Cairo, Egypt to Cape Town, South Africa. During the trip he had the chance to experience the power of sport and its effect on the lives of children across the African continent.

Through an old acquaintance, Martin was introduced to Right To Play, the humanitarian organization that empowers children through sports programs in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the world. Wanting to get involved, Martin planned to run 250 marathons over the course of one year to raise $250,000 for Right to Play. His "Marathon Quest 250" began on January 1, 2010, and after running five marathons a week, Martin completed his quest on Dec. 31st. He covered a total distance of 10,550km (6550 miles) and raised an impressive $320,000.

In June 2011, as a Honorary Athlete Ambassador, Martin visited Right To Play schools in the West African country of Benin.

After his return from Africa, Martin decided to establish his "Quests for Kids" initiative. He plans to complete 10 Quests in five years to raise one million dollars for Right To Play, helping 20,000 children in the process. In September, 2011, Martin completed his second Quest, "Netball Quest 61" as part of a Netball Alberta team that set a new Guinness World Record for the longest game of netball at 61 hours, once again raising funds for Right to Play.

Born in Devonshire, England, Martin earned a degree in Mining Engineering from the Camborne School of Mines and then moved to Canada. He shares his inspirational story of going from an HR Manager in a mining company to an accomplished endurance racer.

• 4. What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger: The Secret to Health and Happiness

  In 2010, Parnell completed a 10,550km running odyssey. His objective was to run 250 marathons and raise $250,000 for the children’s charity Right To Play. He’ll share with you some of his innovative solutions to the injuries and aliments he suffered during the 12 month period and how he had to adjust his nutrition in order to keep healthy. Finally, Parnell will discuss the results of a battery of tests he underwent, upon the completion of his adventure. Remember: What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!

   

• 3.The Will to Prepare: Project Management on the Run

  “The will to win means nothing without the will be prepare”. The dual objectives of Marathon Quest 250 were to run 250 marathons in one year and raise $250,000 for the children’s charity Right To Play. Parnell explains how a “project management” approach was used during the six months preparation for Marathon Quest 250. Let him take you back in time, as he travels through 2010, overcoming the many obstacles and challenges he faced before achieving his goals.

• 2. Shoot for the Moon: 12 million Steps For Man -  $250,000 For Mankind

  “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss you will land among the stars”. Parnell talks about setting the dual goals of running 250 marathons in one year, whilst attempting to raise $250,000 for the children’s charity Right To Play. He recounts the trials and obstacles he had to contend with in order to achieve his goals. Join him on the journey of a lifetime.

• 1. One Step Beyond: A Year of Running Dangerously

  Martin Parnell takes his audience on a journey from his nine-to-five life as a HR manager, in a medium-sized mining company, to the completion of his 250th marathon on December 31st 2010. Along the way, Parnell shares his stories of crossing Africa on a four-month cycling odyssey, from Cairo to Cape Town, and his inspirational entrance into the world of endurance racing.

• Mr. Parnell was able to engage and captivate audiences, ranging in size from one hundred to five hundred people, with his profound passion and inspirational message. His energy, enthusiasm and humour, kept his audience spell bound. Students were able to hear from a man who embodies global citizenship, and were swept up in the desire to actively participate in assisting their peers around the world. His dedication and commitment to his goal gave us all something to which we can aspire. 

  Calgary Board of Education

• We were honoured to partner with Martin in his fundraising efforts and to support his Marathon Quest 250 objective to raise funds for Right to Play.  Martin was a fantastic speaker, proving that anything is possible if we put our heart and soul into it.  His words and energetic spirit moved all in attendance to do what they can to make a difference.  Thank you Martin, for making a difference in the lives of children around the world!!!

  Canadian Wealth Management

• Martin Parnell is the most disciplined, hard-working madman you could ever hope to meet. His year-long quest to run 250 marathons and raise over $300,000 for Right to Play is truly inspirational. May you have the pleasure of hearing him talk about persevering through tough times to accomplish the impossible.

  Cadence PR

• Running a marathon is a goal only a few will achieve. How about running two hundred and fifty of them? Martin Parnell not only completed this unbelievable test of mind and body in only one short year, he also exceeded his target of raising $250,000 for Right to Play. As a supporter of his campaign I followed his progress closely, and admired his ability to keep his energy and enthusiasm strong during the numerous interviews, presentations and TV and radio appearances. Martin is an excellent speaker and steadily and single-handedly gained the support he needed to accomplish his fundraising goal. The focus, determination and astounding effort he put forth was a sight to behold. I would highly recommend Martin Parnell for any opportunities where others may hear from him and learn more about his incredible journey during Marathon Quest 250.

  Thomas P. Wilk

• Martin has inspired people of all ages through his determination and spirit. Whilst pursuing his goal to raise $250,000 for the children's charity, Right To Play, he faced many challenges and overcame them with one thought in mind "It's for the children". With no major sponsors, he used his wits, grit and humour to not only reach, but exceed his goal. Having heard him speak to different groups, one is left with nothing but admiration for this man who, single-handedly, raised awareness amongst thousands of people and has benefited the lives of hundreds of children, in countries all over the world. As a friend and fellow runner, I would urge anyone to take the time to hear Martin tell his incredible story.

  QuorTech Equities

• I would like to recommend Martin Parnell as a motivational speaker from both a professional and personal context. His sheer will and determination overcame the mental and physical stress his body endured throughout 2010 on his 250 marathon quest. His upbeat and passionate approach will inspire you and the audience to personally reflect on how you can make your own lives better in your own way. Just as Martin completed his massive journey step-by-step, with times for rest, you too, can improve yourself with a simple, similar approach.

  Inspiration Health Professionals Inc

• 
  January 2008

  How Do You Eat An Elephant

  How Do You Eat An Elephant is the amazing photo diary of one man's cycle trip from Cairo to Cape Town. Playing table tennis in a village street in Ethiopia, bungee jumping at Victoria Falls in Zambia, the big crash in Tanzania and numerous animal sightings along the way. How do you eat an elephant? One piece at a time! How do you cycle across Africa? One kilometer at a time!