Breaking new ground: How Matt Christopherson ran 125km from Vancouver to Whistler

When Matt Christopherson lined up at the start of the RBC Gran Fondo route, he was about to attempt something that hadn’t been done before. His mission was to become the first-ever and sole runner of the 125-kilometer cycling course from Vancouver to Whistler — a journey that climbs 1,900 meters in elevation.

The twist? Christopherson isn’t a runner. “I’ve only completed one marathon, which was over 14 years ago,” admits the former Canadian National Team athlete.

But this wasn’t just about breaking new ground — it was deeply personal. “In March, a friend, a two-time Olympian, Olympic medalist, and mother of two, was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer,” Christopherson explains.

“When she was diagnosed, I knew we needed to do something big,” Christopherson explains. “Here was someone who had inspired the world on sport’s biggest stage. By doing something unprecedented, we could raise awareness and crucial funds for her life-saving treatment.”

Matt Christopherson at the Gran Fondo finish line in Whistler, Canada.

From impossible to inevitable

The timeline was daunting. With just 125 days to prepare, even an ultramarathon coach deemed it too tight a window to prepare for such a challenge. But Christopherson was undeterred. “Nothing was getting in the way of crossing the finish line in Whistler, Canada,” he explains.

“Despite the turbulence, I showed up every day to the ‘start line’ to get the job done,” he says. What began as a mission to help his friend evolved into something more. “It was clear to me that dreaming and achieving something improbable such as this, would allow me to prove to myself that anything is possible, that our minds are our only limitations.”

Rather than focusing on pace or intervals, Christopherson built endurance through sheer mileage. His weekends consisted of back-to-back marathons: one on Saturday and another on Sunday, week after week. But with that kind of volume, recovery wasn’t just an afterthought — it was mission-critical.

Managing optimal performance

To maintain peak performance, he developed a comprehensive recovery routine. “The clinicians at Myodetox assessed and treated me almost weekly, ensuring optimal movement and addressing any discomfort that arose during my training. Myodetox was instrumental in helping me feel my best throughout my journey,” he shared.

His recovery strategy also included dry sauna sessions and ice baths. “Most notably, post run, I regularly visited Othership for guided sessions to expedite my recovery process,” he explains.

To ensure his body could handle the increasing demands, Christopherson also monitored his health meticulously, using Opscotch’s at-home Blood Biomarker Tests every two weeks to track inflammation and potential deficiencies.

Geared for distance

When preparing for a 125km, mostly uphill run, the gear you choose is critical. Christopherson worked with Vancouver-based Reigning Champ for his race-day attire. “Its ethos is anchored in supporting athletes on and off the field–something that is fully aligned with our mission,” he explains.

For footwear, he turned to HOKA. “With their added cushion, metarocker, and active foot frame, HOKA allowed me to perform at my peak allowing me to keep my mind on the run, and not on my feet.”

Getting the gear right was just half the equation. The fueling strategy demanded equal precision. “As a hybrid-athlete, someone who prioritizes strength training as much as my endurance training, I was adamant to arrive at the start line feeling strong and fast,” Christopherson says. He maintained lean muscle with Opscotch’s Beef Protein supplements during training, while race day nutrition relied on Maurten, Ketone-IQ, and LMNT.

Darkness and determination

During the run, mental challenges proved more formidable than physical ones. Running alone, with more than half the distance in complete darkness, Christopherson faced his greatest test at mile 55.

“We were in the early hours of the morning, and I had already surpassed almost double the distance I had ever done in one training session,” he recalls. “The sun had not risen yet, and the finish was still too far away to taste – this required me to dig deeper than ever before.”

Matt Christopherson during the Gran Fondo run.

Yet his focus never wavered. “Mile after mile, I continued to visualize myself running through the finish, celebrating as the first runner of this event, now in its 15th year. There were never any doubts in my mind that I would finish what I started. Not once.”

At 8:55 AM on September 7th, after 125 kilometers of perseverance and determination, Christopherson crossed the finish line in Whistler, making history on a route that had previously been reserved for cyclists.

Beyond the finish line

The impact of Project 125 extended far beyond the physical achievement. “Crossing the finish line in Whistler was an unforgettable moment and one that I’ll cherish forever. Yet, what’s most fulfilling and powerful is knowing that this journey inspired and touched so many people along the way.”

Christopherson’s final thought? “When we dream the improbable, and become the fuel for something bigger than ourselves, you’ll be amazed what’s possible.”