BODY: A Conversation with Martin Parnell

Meet Martin Parnell, a man whose life journey is truly inspirational.

Driven by some friendly sibling rivalry, Martin began his running adventures at 47 and soon discovered a passion for it. He didn't stop there – he became an International Keynote Speaker, Author, and holder of multiple Guinness World Records.

In 2010, after a 25-year mining career, Martin launched his "Quests for Kids" initiative. Over the next five years, he achieved extraordinary feats, including running a staggering 250 marathons in one year, setting five Guinness World Records, and conquering Mount Kilimanjaro in just 21 hours. By the end of 2014, he had raised over $1.3 million for the humanitarian organization Right To Play.

Martin's dedication was acknowledged with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in October 2012, and he was recognized as one of the "20 Compelling Calgarians" by the Calgary Herald in January 2013. He is also an accomplished author, with one of his books inspiring a documentary titled "The Secret Marathon," shedding light on his mission to empower women and girls in Afghanistan through sports.

When he's not breaking records and changing lives, Martin enjoys a fulfilling family life with his wife Sue and their three children—Kyle, Kristina, and Calum—along with three adored grandchildren, Autumn, Nathan, and Matthew Conner.