Ambassadors
Shannon Nail
RACE DIRECTOR & AMBASSADOR
Shannon Nail is a wife, a mother, of 2 beautiful children, an enthusiastic fitness instructor, and a runner.
Shannon has been running for over 20 years and enjoys a variety of race styles; from a 10km road race to a 60km trail run, she loves them all. Her favourite race over the years has to be the: Honolulu Marathon.
​
Shannon became race director for Know Where To Turn in 2022. "It has been a privilege to be part of this local race and work for a cause that is close to my heart."
Shannon is involved in many local Airdrie initiatives including the Airdrie's Awesome Run Club, developing the town fitness park at Genesis Place. She is also co-hosting a free public run/ walk on the weekends. She represents Lululemon, Nuun, and F45 as their ambassadors.
​
1. Why have you chosen to help support this cause:
I feel that it is an important cause to help support families when they are going through some tuff times. I believe in using my voice and skills to make a positive impact in the world. Whether it's through volunteering, raising awareness, or supporting the dedicated organizations. I am committed to making a difference.
2. What is your favorite distance to run or walk ?
I truly enjoy all distances it's hard to just pick one, but if I had to choose, I would say the 21.1k (Half Marathon). The feeling of accomplishment after you cross the finish line with is so wonderful.
3. What is your favorite pair of running shoes?
I have a few favorite, currently I'm running in Lululemon Bliss Feel runners for indoor or not snowy days. For snowy days or out on the trails I run in my Lululemon trail runners.
4. What is your favorite dessert ?
I love Chocolate's from Purdy's the dark chocolate caramel ones with sea salt yum !
Tara Antosh,
Ambassador
Hi! My name is Tara Antosh and I am an avid thrift shopping, coffee drinking, indoor plant loving RUNNER!!! I am also a group fitness instructor at Oranj Fitness Airdrie, and a Starbucks Barista, a wife, and a mom to 2 tween/teen girls!
I began running in May of 2013, in the midst of my post-baby weight loss journey, and I fell in love with the sport pretty much right away. I ran my first Half Marathon in 2016 (with my run bud, Tanya), became a group fitness instructor in December, 2018, and ran my first Marathon in August, 2020 (solo, virtually, during the global pandemic). Most recently, I successfully ran my first Ultramarathon 50K (solo, virtually, having my own custom medal made (since I was running it solo)) in July, 2023.
I love the challenge of completing a training plan (Hal Higdon plans are my personal faves), and love to be active with my girls (and my German Shorthaired Pointer, Archer -- He is also an avid running partner of mine). I love running solo, with my dog, with friends, or as part of a group. And I will run in all types of weather - Rain, snow, or shine! Frosted eyelashes, pelting rain, blistering heat, I have done it all. Looking forward to what the sport of running has for me in the future as I run steady into my 40s and beyond! #runsteady
1. Why have you chosen to help support this cause:
I have been a part of the Know Where to Turn/Legacy Run race committee for the last couple of years. I love supporting this valuable charity within our local community, and am excited to continue my work with the Know Where to Turn team! You're a fun bunch of humans!
2. What is your favorite distance to run or walk ?
My favorite distance is probably 10K or Half Marathon distance! But I enjoy them all -- 3K to 50K!
3. What is your favorite pair of running shoes?
Brooks Glycerines! #runhappy
​
4. What is your favorite dessert ?
DEFINITELY Cherry or Oreo Cheesecake! YUM!
Naomi Keane,
Ambassador
Meet Naomi Keane, she is a fervent advocate for fitness and community. In 2016, she introduced Oranj Fitness in Airdrie, Alberta, a pivotal step in her entrepreneurial journey, where she seamlessly blends passion, wellness, innovation, and community building.
1. Why have you chosen to help support this cause?
I feel that this is such and important cause and something that isn’t unique to only a few people. We all have been touched in some way or know of someone who has been effective. Life can be hard at time we all need know we aren’t alone. There are resources, and there is support. You just need to know where to turn!
2. What is your favorite distance to run or walk?
Right now 5km. Hoping to make 8km my comfortable distance.
3. What is your favorite pair of running shoes?
Lululemon Blissfeel2
4. What is your favorite dessert?
All desserts! But really loving baked Alaska’s lately!
Mary Neuman,
Ambassador
Hi! My name is Mary, and I’m so glad you’re here!
I often joke that I started running to escape my problems, and that eventually led me to complete a marathon. My fitness journey began in 2017 as a way to pull myself out of a very dark time in my life. I was trapped in a cycle of domestic violence after moving back in with
my parents to finish my Bachelor of Education.
One memory stands out from that time: I came home to find my father in a violent rage, having just had a fight with my sister. She had fled the house because she was afraid of things getting worse, and my father threatened to harm her. I felt completely helpless—unable to protect her or do anything to stop it. I wanted to call the authorities, but fear stopped me. I was afraid of the consequences, and as a student already struggling financially, I feared the
instability it would bring. Home wasn’t a safe place, so running became my escape. It gave me a way to process my emotions and start to heal.
Each mile helped me face the pain and trauma I had been avoiding, and ultimately gave me the courage to seek therapy. Running became my strength, and it played a key role in my recovery.
1. Why have you chosen to support this cause?
The feeling of having nowhere to turn is what drives me to support the Know Where to Turn race. From my own experience, I understand the fear and helplessness of being stuck with no way out. By running in this race, I want to be the voice I once needed. I want to show
others that even in the darkest moments, there is somewhere to turn and help is out there. Although I’ve worked hard to heal, and now live a life full of love with my dog, two cats, and my husband—whose family has welcomed me with open arms—I’m committed to being
there for those still trapped in cycles of fear and violence. No one should ever feel they have nowhere to turn, and I want to help make sure that’s possible.
2. What is your favorite distance to run or walk?
When I’m training, I prefer a half marathon or a ten-miler (16 km). These distances are challenging, but not so time-consuming as a marathon. Right now, I’m recovering from a persistent injury, so 10 km is probably a more realistic goal for me this season.
3. What is your favorite pair of running shoes?
I tend to buy whatever is on sale! In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever bought a pair of running shoes at full price. Normally I’ll begin by looking for Altra’s, in the sales section and then widen my search to Hoka, Brooks or New Balance.
4. What is your favorite dessert?
All of them! But if I had to choose, I’m particularly fond of chocolate and cheesecake.
Janelle Brade
Ambassador
I'm Janelle, a passionate runner and mental health advocate. Nature is my happy place, especially when I'm running through it. But what truly fuels my runs is the incredible connections I make along the way.
​
1. Why have you chosen to help support this cause:
I believe in the power of community support, especially in providing essential services for those experiencing domestic violence. Access to free services and support can be life-changing for individuals and families in crisis. As a mental health advocate, I understand the critical need for accessible resources, and I'm honored to support such a vital cause.
​
2. What is your favorite distance to run or walk ?
I love running a half marathon!!
​
3. What is your favorite pair of running shoes?
My current favorite for road is the Saucony Endorphin Speeds. For the trails, it's the Saucony Xodus Ultra!
4. What is your favorite dessert ?
Tough call, it's a toss up between carrot cake, rice pudding and creme brule
_edited.jpg)
Christie Fillion
Ambassador
Running since 2019, Christie started with the goal of completing a 5K but quickly discovered her love for the sport and its ability to challenge both body and mind. Since then, she’s completed a variety of races, including a 50K ultra marathon. Christie loves all forms of running, but trail running holds a special place in her heart—there’s something about the quiet beauty of nature that speaks to her soul. As a mother of two girls, it’s important to her to model a healthy lifestyle and show them the value of perseverance, self-care, and pushing boundaries. Running has taught her that she is capable of achieving things she once thought impossible, and she’s excited to continue testing her limits in the years to come.
​
1. Why have you chosen to help support this cause:
I work with kids every day and I am passionate about about their well being in every area of their lives .
​
2. What is your favorite distance to run or walk ?
My favourite distance is 10-12km.
​
3. What is your favorite pair of running shoes?
Any trail shoe! Currently wear Solomon. Still looking for my favourite road shoe.
4. What is your favorite dessert ?
Turtle brownies or a nice fruit crumble .