Completing his 20th race in 2025, Chris Koch has redefined what’s possible in the world of marathons. The Alberta native was born without arms and legs, yet he conquers full marathons — 42.2 km — on his skateboard, proving that the only real limitations are the ones we place on ourselves.
From being flatly rejected by major marathons to becoming a brand ambassador for multiple races, Chris’ journey represents more than athletic achievement. It’s a masterclass in turning “no” into fuel for extraordinary success.
From Small-Town Alberta to Global Inspiration
Chris grew up in the small farming community of Nanton, where he learned early that his disability wouldn’t define his limitations — his mindset would. His family refused to treat his condition as a tragedy, instead fostering an environment where Chris was expected to contribute, participate, and push boundaries just like any other kid.
Growing up, Chris played road hockey with the neighborhood kids, caused his fair share of mischief at school, and helped out on the family farm. This foundation of normalcy and encouragement would prove instrumental in shaping the barrier-breaking mindset that defines him today.
Using “No” as Fuel
Chris’ marathon story begins not with acceptance, but with rejection. In 2016, he approached the LA Marathon about participating with his longboard — his primary way of getting around. Their response was swift and dismissive. They refused to even have a conversation about it. The New York, Chicago, and Boston marathons followed LA’s lead.
Chris found an ally in the Calgary Marathon director, who evaluates special requests on a case-by-case basis. They saw no issue with his participation, and on May 29, 2016, Chris completed his first full marathon. “If the LA director had said yes,” Chris said, “I might have just done the half marathon. But when someone says I can’t do something, it really lights this fire in me.”
That first marathon in Calgary wasn’t just about crossing the finish line, it was about proving a point. With his mother — herself a marathoner — cheering him on, Chris crossed that finish line and opened a door not only for himself but for countless others with different abilities.
Building Momentum: From One “Yes” to Global Recognition
The Calgary Marathon quickly snowballed into more marathons, with Chris having now participated in and completed 20 marathons across four continents to date.
His journey reached a pinnacle in 2024 when he gained admission to the New York City Marathon — the world’s largest marathon and one of the coveted World Marathon Majors. Getting into the New York marathon is notoriously difficult, but Chris’s growing reputation in the marathon community opened doors.
Chris’ performance at the 2024 New York Marathon exceeded all expectations. The energy from the crowds as the race wound through all five boroughs was incredible, and the support from fellow runners was overwhelming, he said. The atmosphere far exceeded what he had imagined, and he finished the race faster than expected.
More Than Personal Achievement: Changing the Game
Chris’s impact extends far beyond his personal accomplishments. His persistence and commitment has resulted in marathon organizations across the world re-imagining who qualifies to participate in their events. Today, he serves as a brand ambassador for both Calgary and Philadelphia marathons, representing a remarkable shift in the sport’s inclusivity. The Philadelphia Marathon director specifically wants to leverage Chris’ involvement to expand adaptive sports participation. “This is a great example of don’t take ‘no’ for an answer,” Chris said.
Chris’s marathon journey has also become a powerful platform for giving back. During COVID, he raised $27,000 for the foundation of the Alberta Children’s Hospital through running a series of increasingly lengthy rides as part of the “virtual” races held by the Calgary Marathon.
“With each marathon, I don’t just want it to be my personal best, I want it to be my best fundraiser ever,” he said. Whether supporting the Alberta Children’s Hospital, War Amps, the Ronald McDonald House, or other charitable organizations, Chris uses his races to spread impact far beyond his own achievements.
Speakers Spotlight at the Calgary Marathon
This year, our Calgary team had the privilege of joining Chris at the Calgary Marathon — the very race that kickstarted this incredible journey.
At the 2025 race, Chris was raising funds for The War Amps’ Child Amputee Program (CHAMP), a national charity that provides essential advocacy, funds, and support for Canadian amputees. Speakers Spotlight was proud to co-host a fundraising evening with Chris at Tool Shed Brewing Company, co-founded by our friend, Graham Sherman, ahead of joining him at the marathon as fellow racers.
As a 2025 brand ambassador for the race that first said “yes” to his dream, Chris continues to prove that barriers exist primarily in our minds, and we were able to witness firsthand the overwhelming support Chris has from the marathon community.
The “If I Can” Philosophy in Action
At the heart of Chris’ story is his simple but profound message: “If I Can…” Despite being born without arms and legs, Chris didn’t let limitations and obstacles stand in the way of achieving his goals and dreams.
The limitations we face in life are often the ones we place on ourselves. And if a guy without arms and legs can do all this, he says, we are all capable of some pretty amazing things.
Chris’ inspirational “If I Can” presentation is about making the most out of life, with a focus on appreciating what we have instead of worrying about what we don’t. Sharing experiences and funny anecdotes from his life, Chris leaves audiences motivated and empowered to build the life they dream of.
Ready to Transform Your Team’s Mindset?
As a top motivational keynote speaker, Chris helps audiences fundamentally shift how they approach challenges, setbacks, and the perceived limitations that hold us back from achieving our full potential.
Contact us to learn more about Chris Koch and how he can transform what your team thinks is possible.
