Login
  • Find a fundraiser
  • EN
Login

Blog

Meet Our Team: Chrissy Cusack

DATE: September 4, 2025

The Great Canadian Hike is on the horizon from September 20 to October 19, and Trans Canada Trail staff members across the country are prepping for the challenge. We spoke with Chrissy Cusack, Trans Canada Trail’s Coordinator, Community & Volunteer Development and avid ultra-marathon runner, about how she’s training for the Great Canadian Hike, how she’s set her kilometre goals and her advice for getting outside and getting moving. 

Meet Chrissy

Hi! My name is Chrissy, and I am the Coordinator for Community & Volunteer Development with Trans Canada Trail. It’s a pretty amazing role — I get to work with volunteers and communities across the country on their local Trail sections and support them with resources to sustain and enhance this national trail network. 

Outside of work, I spend a lot of time on the Trail — whether it’s hiking, trail running or paddling. I may be a little biased, but my favourite Trail section is the Fundy Footpath, in my home province of New Brunswick. This rugged, approximately 50-kilometre hiking trail follows the Bay of Fundy coastline, known for the world’s highest tides. It winds through steep elevation changes, remote valleys and dense Acadian forest. There are various access trails allowing users to hike sections of the footpath. Any of these options offers breathtaking views, challenging terrain and a true backcountry experience.

Chrissy runs on a trail surrounded by trees during a marathon.

How did you determine your kilometre goal for the Great Canadian Hike, and what activities will you be doing over the month?

My goal for the month-long challenge is to reach 250 kilometres. I chose this number because I typically aim to run or trail run about 50 kilometres per week during my regular training season. Setting a target of 250 kilometres will help keep me on track and motivate me to mix in other trail-based activities along the way. 

What’s your strategy for meeting your kilometre goal?

I plan to reach my 250-kilometre goal through a mix of activities! Trail running is my favourite, but I’m using this challenge as an opportunity to reconnect with all the outdoor activities that bring me joy. This fall, I’m hoping to incorporate more paddling — I can’t wait to experience the changing colours of the leaves from the water. I plan to get out on my bike more (even though biking is a real challenge for me — this will help push me out of my comfort zone!) and also to slow things down with more hiking in the woods. I’m excited to explore different ways of moving through nature. 

What are you most looking forward to during the Great Canadian Hike?

What I’m most looking forward to is the chance to be more intentional with how I spend time on the Trail. It’s a great opportunity to explore new places, revisit some favourite routes, and challenge myself in different ways — whether that’s pushing a little harder on a run, trying a tougher bike route or going on a peaceful paddle. I’m also really looking forward to feeling connected to a broader community of people across the country who are out enjoying the Trail at the same time. 

How did you get started with outdoor activity, and what's one piece of advice you have for newbies?

My advice would be to find the activity you genuinely enjoy! If you’re more drawn to biking than running, start there; it’s all about doing what feels right for you. For me, trail running has always felt natural because I love being in the woods. It all started with hiking — I realized how much I enjoyed spending time on forest trails, and running became an extension of that. 

I think an important aspect of your outdoor/active journey is to carve out time each day to do what brings you joy, even if it’s just 15 minutes! One small step leads to another, and before you know it, you’re no longer a newbie. Even now, when I’m taking on longer trail races, I go to the basics — one foot in front of the other — and eventually, I will see that finish line. And don’t be shy about inviting others to join you! Sharing the experience is a great way to stay motivated, learn from others, and have fun along the way. 

Chrissy gives a high five to someone out of frame after a marathon.