Helen Francis
Ultra Runner & Coach
Always an avid runner, my journey into ultra running began in 2017. Since then, I have competed in 25+ ultras ranging in length from 50K to 215 miles. Ultra running has provided me with a renewed appreciation for overall health and wellbeing, providing a structure for my ongoing fitness and nutrition journey, as well as providing opportunities for incredible adventures and a way to meet wonderful new friends.
My journey has included the challenges of balancing this sport with a full-time career, and parenting (5 children between my husband and I), as well as navigating the changes that come with perimenopause and general ageing. While I have achieved podium placements, I have also dealt with DNF’s (Did Not Finish) and injury and illness along the way. With this experience along with the accrued knowledge informally and formally I am thrilled to now take on the coaching journey.
I have personally benefited from coaching throughout this journey and look forward to being able to help others take on the challenge and wonder that is ultra running.
CREDENTIALS
UESCA Certified Ultra Running Coach
Volunteer Group Fitness Coach at the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario
Ultra runner since 2017
Coaching Experience
New to coaching, have recently retired from my CEO role at the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario
Level of Athlete Specialization
Knowledge and skills best suited to beginner and intermediate level athletes
Sports Coached
Primary focus ultra running 50K to 200+ Milers, including Backyard Ultras
Other Areas of Specialization
— Integrating ultra running for
multi-sport athletes
— Ultra training for older runners
including peri and menopausal women
Race results
|
Race |
Distance |
Vert Gain (m) |
Time |
Position (Gender) |
|
The Race Across Scotland 215, 2025 |
215 miles |
7218+ |
77:57:58 |
3/48 |
|
Sulphur Springs Trail Race 2025 |
100km |
2569+ |
11:17:55 |
3/79 |
|
The Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB 2025 |
100km |
3750+ |
16:56:26 |
63/250 |
|
BB Backyard Ultra 2024 |
147km |
1682+ |
22 LAPS |
1 |
|
UTMB CCC 2024 |
100km |
6500+ |
||
|
Sinister 7 Trail Race 2024 |
100km |
2950+ |
12:53:21 |
7/86 |
|
Sulphur Springs Trail Race 2024 |
100km |
2450+ |
11:00:17 |
1/60 |
|
The Beaver Freezer 2024 |
42.2km |
1/2 |
||
|
Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada 2023 |
80 km |
2050+ |
11:43:29 |
13/42 |
|
Sulphur Springs Trail Race 2023 |
100km |
2450+ |
11:43:31 |
1/20 |
|
The Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB® 2023 |
100km |
5095+ |
14:18:56 |
27/93 |
|
The Beav 2022 |
50km |
762+ |
6:06:00 |
3/27 |
|
Ultra Trail Stokely Creek 2022 |
85km |
2480+ |
10:39:25 |
1/1 |
|
Conquer the Crater 2022 |
63.3km |
8:11:39 |
4/5 |
|
|
Ultra Trail Gaspésie 100 2022 |
106km |
2600+ |
18:57:37 |
4/8 |
|
Sulphur Springs Trail Race 2022 |
50 miles |
1960+ |
9:02:14 |
2/15 |
|
Malvern Ultra 2022 |
70km |
2900+ |
9:34:00 |
1/6 |
|
Ultra Trail Stokely Creek 2021 |
85km |
2480+ |
11:57:05 |
1/4 |
|
Conquer the Crater2021 |
21km |
1:52:59 |
1/4 |
|
|
Apex Trail Race 2020 |
50km |
1 |
||
|
Haliburton 2019 |
100 miles |
4267+ |
28:11:01 |
4/7 |
|
Conquer the Canuck - Stage Race 2 days 2019 |
50km + 42.2km |
10:13:49 |
1/7 |
|
|
Riverlands 2019 |
100 miles |
3658+ |
29:24:32 |
3/6 |
|
Brecon to Cardiff 2019 |
69.6km |
850+ |
7:36:30 |
6/84 |
|
Marin Ultra Challenge 2018 |
50 miles |
2960+ |
11:50:09 |
24/53 |
|
Run Off the Grid 2017 |
50km |
6:36:18 |
1/2 |
|
|
Haliburton 2017 |
50 miles |
9:22:13 |
2/18 |
|
|
Sulphur Springs Trail Run 2017 |
50 miles |
1610 M+ |
8:55:58 |
2/23 |
|
Haliburton 2016 |
50 miles |
10:16:49 |
1/12 |