By Joanne Rodgers, Bruce Peninsula Press
Ever wondered what it takes to run an ultra marathon from Lion’s Head to Tobermory in blizzard conditions in December? A ten minute documentary Running 70K Through Ontario’s Brutal Winter, to be released February 12th, follows four Collingwood-based ultra distance trail runners that took on the challenge.
Runners Maegen Guse, Ryan Koraen, Nina Norroy, and Felix Muensterer ran the 70 km distance in 13 hours including three quick stops for water and food supplied by their support group. The idea to do this trail run was conceived by runner and the film’s director Felix Muensterer. The group had never run through such blizzard conditions, with Muensterer saying that the snow was insanely deep, and one usually doesn’t run in those conditions.
Muensterer has spent many summers in the Grey-Bruce area at his grandmother’s farm in Feversham, but never experienced a winter here. He had no idea what to expect regarding a winter run, especially in one of the more brutal December winters in recent years. Recently, he moved from Germany to the family farm for a project and was thrilled to find a “super vibrant, super alive” running community in Collingwood, with some highly recognized ultra runners like Maegen Guse. The accessibility of nature was a definite plus.
The documentary opens with the drive to the starting point – in treacherous white-out conditions. The runners started out on the 70 km run by getting lost momentarily, dealing with knee deep snow. Snow covered crevasses were a constant danger. They described the long grind of the 13 hour-day, the fatigue, cold, possibility of serious injuries with one wrong step, moments of wanting to give up, and supporting each other, which helped them to complete the challenge. However, they also took time to take in the inspiring scenery of the Northern Bruce coastline.
“The film offers a grounded look at what winter trail running in Ontario actually involves, both physically and mentally, while highlighting the role of shared experience and place.
Salomon supported the runners and the local trail running community involved in the project, helping make the run and the documentation of it possible.” according to their media release.
The documentary includes reflections on what motivates runners, saying it is about getting outside your comfort zone and setting goals. The runners stress the importance of having specific warm clothing gear to deal with the elements, being a “make or break situation”.
The film also highlights the vibrant Collingwood running scene, which is drawing many younger people, due to its positivity, inclusiveness and “good vibes”.
Muensterer, a video and content producer, says he and his friend/fellow runner Ryan Koraen decided that they would film the journey. Salomon provided financial assistance to allow them to get better equipment and provided the gear.
The documentary will go live on Youtube on February 12, 2026 at 7 p.m. Be sure to check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGn0-cIvcaE
