Shirley Hunt
Co-Founder, Past Chair
I have always felt happiest outside and can often be found running, hiking, cycling, skiing, or paddling. Instinctively, I have always known the benefits of green exercise for mental and physical health, and I am thrilled that a growing body of research is affirming those benefits. With those benefits in mind, I am passionate about working with community members to launch new initiatives that remove barriers to getting active outdoors. In 2008, I collaborated with a local photographer and community members to create an outdoor photography program for kids called Focus on Nature. In 2016, I seized another opportunity - this time to develop and launch a nature-based running program to support women with managing their mental health.
Inspiration for Up and Running Guelph came from a UK program of the same name, but the Guelph version has grown and evolved over the years thanks to the incredible dedication and skills of our volunteers, staff, and Board. I have worn multiple hats for the organization over the years, including Chair, acting ED, and mentor, and I am incredibly proud to be part of a team that is so committed to sharing the benefits of green exercise with our community.