06/05/2026
Happy Friday Runners
Please allow us to introduce Matt Melnyk, coming right from our home town of Niagara Falls, Ontario.
Matt has never run the Niagara Falls Marathon before. In fact, as he will be turning 42 shortly after race weekend, it is a perfect time for him to run his first full 42.2km Marathon, right here in Niagara.
We asked Matt:
Why do you want to run NFIM and what distance are you planning to run?
There comes a point where you realize there may be a window in your life where you are as fit as you have ever been, or maybe as fit as you are ever going to be. For me, that window has turned out to be in my 40s.
I do not take that for granted. While I have this opportunity, I want to be as healthy, strong, and capable as I can. I want to challenge myself, set an example for my kids, and hopefully be relatable to other people who are balancing work, family, stress, and the feeling of, “Am I really ready for this?”
What does running mean to you and how would being an Ambassador impact your running journey?
Running has become one of the clearest ways I measure physical fitness and progress.
As a dad, husband, and full time professional, running gives me structure. It helps me manage stress, stay healthy, and make time for something that is mine while still showing up for my family and work.
It has also taught me patience. Progress takes consistency. Some weeks go well. Some weeks are messy. There are long runs, early mornings, tired legs, weather issues, family schedules, and moments where you question the plan. But the bigger lesson is that you do not need perfect conditions to keep moving forward.
You can follow Matts journey to Niagara at:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattmelnyk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matt.melnyk.54
Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/44561912
Welcome to the team Matt!