Marlene Santin

Director

My running journey began in 1995, following the tragic loss of my older brother, Michael, in a car accident. During that difficult time, running gave me a sense of purpose and helped me move forward. I completed my first of several marathons in Chicago in 2000, and running remained an important part of my life until 2019, when I experienced a ruptured Achilles tendon playing soccer.

It was only when I could no longer run that I truly understood how much running had given me. Up and Running helped me rediscover that connection to movement and healing. I joined Up and Running in the fall of 2025, first as a participant, then as a volunteer, and now as a board member. I am honoured to contribute to an organization that has had such a meaningful impact on my life and on the lives of so many others.

I am a sociology professor and a longtime Guelph resident with a strong commitment to community service. I have volunteered with several local animal welfare organizations and previously held senior policy and research positions with the Government of Ontario, working on issues including social welfare and the rights of crime victims. I also served as a co-chair of the United Way Campaign for the Ministry of the Attorney General.

I am grateful to be part of the Up and Running team and excited to help support its mission of bringing people together through movement, nature, and community.