Why I Run: Fanny Girardin Answers Our Running Questionnaire
Oberson ambassador Fanny Girardin is an elite athlete and a top-notch sports administrator. She has excelled in ultra marathons in both Europe and Canada. Most notably, she placed first and broke the women’s course record at the latest Bromont Ultra and finished 5th in her category in Switzerland at Jura Swiss Trail in 2024. She was also a national-level snowboardcross athlete for Team Quebec from 2016 to 2020, picking up multiple FIS wins. When not racing or training, she works hard to make sure others can also do so—she’s currently the Para Snowboard Development Coordinator at Canada Snowboard and Race Director for the Verbier Ultra and Backyard Ultra Solidaire.
Why I run
Because I’m a Fan with a capital “F” of this sport! I think I breathe running!
My running surface(s)? (pavement, trail, gravel)
If it can be run, I’ll run on it ;) though trails are still my favourite playground.
My state of mind when I run
“Have fun” is my motto.
My best running memory
Bromont Ultra 2026, every aid station where I’d find my family and friends waiting. I still get chills just talking about it!
My running soundtrack
I run without music, so does birdsong count? ;)
My favourite place to run
Good question. The rolling trails of Bromont and the gnarlier trails of Switzerland are tied as my two favourite playgrounds.
Where I dream of running
Iceland
Why I do (or don’t) race
I like signing up for two or three races a year: it gives me a goal to work toward, a way to test myself, and a chance to reconnect with friends, family, and the trail running community, and to experience weekends with an energy that’s hard to explain. Since I also organize a few trail events myself, I love seeing how other organizations run theirs!
What I value most in a running partner
Their spontaneity—always being up for exploring, going on a run, grabbing a coffee, or starting a project together!
The runner who inspires me most
Courtney Dauwalter for her down-to-earthness and her humanity.
