Martin Parnell Finish the Race Attitude

Speaking topics

Martin Parnell's Keynote presentations consist of one hour talks, which will amaze and inspire the listener. He is able to customize his message specifically to the needs of your conference or company event. Below are three presentations that Martin has given.

Marathon Quest ST

Marathon Quest

Ordinary to Extraordinary

Telling a story which will amaze and inspire, Martin will show how, through determination and persistence, one person can affect change, one step at a time. Click here for more details.

RTTE ST

Running to the Edge

Life is a Relay

Martin’s story shows the power of giving. The audience is taken on a journey from exploding out of the blocks to hitting your stride and passing the baton. Click here for more details.

The Secret Marathon ST

The Secret Marathon

Running for Gender Equality

This thought-provoking keynote is sure to get your participants thinking about gender equality, the issues they face on a daily basis and actions they can take. Click here for more details.

If you are interested in having Martin speak at your next event contact us

TEDX YYC Talk

Sharing his own stories of personal tragedy and triumph, Martin Parnell tells us that life is a relay. In this humorous and insightful presentation, Martin takes us from exploding out of the blocks to hitting your stride, and finally to passing the baton to the next wave of change makers. Martin is passionate about making a difference in the world, and inspiring others to do the same. He lives by his adage, “In life you don’t have to do much but you have to do something.”

In 2010, following a 25-year career in mining, Martin started his "Quests for Kids" initiative. Over the next five years he completed 10 "Quests". These included running 250 marathons in one year, setting five Guinness World Records in endurance events and summiting Mount Kilimanjaro in 21 hours. At the end of 2014, he had raised over $1.3m for the humanitarian organization Right To Play and 27,000 children had been given the gift of hope.

Testimonials

Martin was the keynote speaker at our annual corporate gathering and presented his amazing story to our group.

We had a very diverse group of people, with all of Centron’s office staff and site staff as well as spouses. This included everybody from the President and CEO to the site workers. Martin did a great job of connecting with the audience with a very interesting, humorous and overall, very inspiring presentation.

We had a lot of feedback after the event from our staff remarking on how Martin’s presentation had struck a chord with them and how remarkable his achievements are.

As Martin says, he is an ordinary person trying to do his part to help others who are less fortunate. He certainly is doing extraordinary things and through his example is encouraging a lot of others in a lot of ways, in addition to the children who are getting life changing help from the RTP programs.

We highly recommend Martin as a very interesting and inspirational speaker and fully support his Right to Play fundraising quests.
− Wayne Benz, President, Centron Group of Companies

I worked with Martin directly when he was hired to provide the keynote speech at our virtual users group conference in May 2013. Martin has a unique and inspiring story full of profound messages.

He also has a way of telling it and mixing messages into his story that captivates and engages his audience both in person and virtually as he did for us.

He is truly an inspiration and I would easily recommend anyone to engage him as a keynote or guest speaker for their event.
− Richard Link, Client Relationship Manager, Avanti Software

In the fall of 2010, we wanted to host an appreciation event for our clients. As we brainstormed about themes, we kept coming back to wellness (health, fitness, wealth, family, philanthropy, balance...). Naturally, Martin's name came up.

We were honoured to partner with Martin in his fundraising efforts and to support his Marathon Quest 250 objective to raise funds for Right to Play. Martin was a fantastic speaker, proving that anything is possible if we put our heart and soul into it. His words and energetic spirit moved all in attendance to do what they can to make a difference.

Thank you Martin, for making a difference in the lives of children around the world!!!

− Paul Vailliancourt, CEO, CIO, Canadian Wealth Management

Martin Parnell presented the keynote address at our 2013 Annual Conference. Martin is an excellent story teller with a great story to tell! His presentation was fun, engaging and inspiring.

Many of our conference delegates remarked on Martin’s great presentation and have asked for more information about Martin and Right To Play. Martin took the time to meet with our delegates before and after his presentation and was a positive force during our conference.

Make sure you get a chance to hear Martin’s story!

− Geoff Ray, Executive Director, NWT Recreation and Parks Association

Clients

These are some of Martin's clients

Past engagements

October 21, 2020 - The Secret Marathon , Petroleum Club, Calgary, Canada

Empowering Women and Girls in Afghanistan through Sport.

October 07, 2020 - The Secret Marathon , Rotary Club of Powell River, BC, Canada

Empowering Women and Gilrs in Afghanistan through Sport

September 17, 2020 - The 3 A's of Adventure - Africa, Arusha and Afghanistan , Bideford, Devon, England

Travelling the globe, Martin shows how biking and running can made a difference in the lives of people around the World.

September 09, 2020 - The Secret Marathon , Queen City Marathon, Regina

Empowering Women and Girls in Afghanistan through Sport

April 02, 2020 - The Secret Marathon Keynote , Petroleum Club, Calgary, Alberta

Presentation to Members and their Children

December 31, 2019 - Boys and Girls Club Fund Raiser , Cochrane, Alberta

10th and final year end run / walk fund raiser.

October 27, 2019 - Shelf Life Book Shop , Calgary, Alberta

Book signing for "The Secret Marathon".

October 20, 2019 - Albert Physiotherapy Provincial Conference , Canmore, Alberta

Presentation and book signing for "The Secret Marathon".

October 04, 2019 - Edmonton International Film Festival , Edmonton, Alberta

Screening of "The Secret Marathon" in Edmonton

September 25, 2019 - Cambrian College Staff Symposium , Sudbury, Ontario

Keynote of "Ordinary to Extraordinary"

September 22, 2019 - Cinefest Film Festival , Sudbury, Ontario

Screening of the documentary "The Secret Marathon".

June 24, 2019 - HG Smith and Associates Workshop , Cochrane, Alberta

One day workshop on "Setting Goals and Overcoming Obstacles to achieve your Full Potential"

June 06, 2019 - BrainX Symposium , Kelowna, BC

Presentation and book signing for "The Secret Marathon".

May 31, 2019 - Crowfoot Library , Calgary, Alberta

Presentation and book signing for "The Secret Marathon".

April 30, 2019 - Cumberland Private Wealth , Calgary, Alberta

Presentation and book signing for "The Secret Marathon".

April 20, 2019 - Owl's Nest Book Shop , Calgary, Alberta

Book signing for "The Secret Marathon".

April 15, 2019 - Calgary Teachers Conference , Calgary, Alberta

Presentation and book signing for "The Secret Marathon".

April 12, 2019 - Village Square Library , Calgary, Alberta

Presentation and book signing for "The Secret Marathon".

April 10, 2019 - Calgary Academy , Kananaskis Village, Alberta

Presentation and book signing for "The Secret Marathon".

April 01, 2019 - HG Smith and Associates Workshop , Cochrane, Alberta

"Unlocking Your Potential" Full Day Workshop.

March 25, 2019 - HG Smith and Associates Workshop , Cochrane, Alberta

"Unlocking Your Potential" Full Day Workshop

February 26, 2019 - Rotary Club of Chinook , Calgary, Alberta

Presentation and book signing for "The Secret Marathon".

February 22, 2019 - Palliser Teachers Convention , Calgary, Alberta

Presentation and book signing for "The Secret Marathon".

February 01, 2019 - Rotary Club of Heritage Park , Calgary, Alberta

Presentation and book signing of "The Secret Marathon".

January 16, 2019 - Calgary Central Library , Calgary, Alberta

Presentation and book signing of "The Secret Marathon".

November 24, 2018 - Cafe Books , Canmore, Alberta

Book signing for "The Secret Marathon".

November 21, 2018 - Cochrane Public Library , Cochrane, Alberta

Home town launch. Presentation and book signing.

November 18, 2018 - Crowfoot Chapters , Calgary, Alberta

Book signing for "The Secret marathon".

September 29, 2018 - From Flicker to Flame Conference , Toronto, Ontario

Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan Keynote "The Secret Marathon - Running for Freedom"

September 22, 2018 - Word on the Street , Lethbridge, Alberta

Presentation "The Secret Marathon" and book signing.

September 02, 2018 - Crush Camp , Calgary, Alberta

Presentation and book signing.

August 23, 2018 - Crowfoot Running Room , Calgary, Alberta

Presentation and book signing.

June 21, 2018 - Calgary Islamic School , Calgary, Alberta

Keynote "The Secret Marathon - Running for Freedom"

May 24, 2018 - Palliser Schools Leadership Day , Champion, Alberta

Keynote "The Secret Marathon - Running for Freedom"

May 17, 2018 - International Society for the Study of Lumbar Spine Conference , Banff, Alberta

Keynote "The Secret Marathon - Running for Freedom"

May 07, 2018 - Canadian Federation of University Women , Calgary, Alberta

Keynote "The Secret Marathon - Running for Freedom"

May 05, 2018 - Rotary 5360 DisCon: Keynote , Calgary, Alberta

Keynote "The Secret Marathon - Running for Freedom"

May 04, 2018 - Rotary 5360 DisCon: Goals , Calgary, Alberta

Workshop "Unlock Your Potential - Setting Goals and Overcoming Obstacles"

April 19, 2018 - Leaders of Tomorrow Awards Night , Cochrane, Alberta

Keynote "The Secret Marathon - Running for Freedom"

March 15, 2018 - Alberta Managers Society for Senior Citizens Housing Conference , Red Deer, Alberta

Keynote "Ordinary to Extraordinary - One Step at a Time"

March 13, 2018 - FGL Sports , Calgary, Alberta

Keynote "Ordinary to Extraordinary - One Step at a Time"

February 18, 2018 - Prairie Urological Dinner , Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise, Alberta

Keynote "The Secret Marathon - Running for Freedom"

January 16, 2018 - Calgary Academy , The Crossing Ghost River, Alberta

Keynote "Ordinary to Extraordinary - Changing lives One Step at a Time"

December 07, 2017 - International Live Event Association Dinner , Calgary, Alberta

Keynote "Ordinary to Extraordinary - One Step at a Time"

October 27, 2017 - Calgary Christian School , Calgary, Alberta

Keynote on the theme of "Do The Hard Things".

June 23, 2017 - TEDx YYC , Calgary, Alberta

Presentation at TEDx YYC.

May 25, 2017 - Calgary Marathon Expo , Calgary, Alberta

Calgary Marathon Expo book signing.

May 20, 2017 - Create a Graphic Comic Workshop , Cochrane, Alberta

Create your own graphic comic.

May 13, 2017 - YYC Fit Expo , Calgary, Alberta

Panel discussion and book signing of RUNNING TO THE EDGE.

May 02, 2017 - NEXTstep Conference Keynote , Canmore, Alberta

Finish the Race Attitude - Overcoming Obstacles to Achieve Your Full Potential.

April 27, 2017 - Seniors on the Bow Keynote , Cochrane, Alberta

The Secret Marathon keynote.

April 15, 2017 - Cafe Books Book Signing , Canmore, Alberta

Book signing at Cafe Books in Canmore.

March 22, 2017 - Get Your Book Published Workshop , Cochrane, Alberta

7 step to get your book published.

March 04, 2017 - Rotary 1175 DisCon Keynote , Cornwall, England

Keynote: Ashburton to Afghanistan via Camborne.

February 08, 2017 - Glenmore Landing Running Room Book Signing , Calgary, Alberta

Presentation and book signing for RUNNING TO THE EDGE.

February 06, 2017 - Unlock your Potential Workshop , Morley, Alberta

Finish the Race Attiutude - Overcoming Obstacles to Achieve Your Full Potential

February 02, 2017 - Raymond James Keynote , Calgary, Alberta

Ordinary to Extraordinary - One Step at a Time

January 28, 2017 - Alberta Medical Association Book Signing , Kananaskis, Alberta

Book signing for RUNNING TO THE EDGE.

January 26, 2017 - Okotoks Book signing , Okotoks, Alberta

Presentation and signing for RUNNING TO THE EDGE from 7.00pm to 8.30pm

January 25, 2017 - Downunder Travel Keynote , Calgary, Alberta

The tale of two races - Rarotonga to Afghanistan

January 24, 2017 - Eau Claire Running Room , Calgary, Alberta

Presentation and signing for RUNNING TO THE EDGE from 6.15pm to 7.15pm

January 20, 2017 - Blog to Book Workshop , Cochrane, Alberta

7 Steps to take you from blog to book.

December 20, 2016 - Kensington Running Room , Calgary, Alberta

Presentation and signing for RUNNING TO THE EDGE from 6.15pm tp 7.15pm

December 10, 2016 - Cochrane Library Book Launch , Cochrane, Alberta

Book launch for RUNNING TO THE EDGE 1.00pm to 3.00pm

December 03, 2016 - Audrey's Book Store , Edmonton, Alberta

Presentation and Book signing for RUNNING TO THE EDGE from 2.00pm to 4.00pm

November 29, 2016 - Owl's Nest Book Store , Calgary, Alberta

Book signing for RUNNING TO THE EDGE from 7.00pm to 8.30pm

November 26, 2016 - Indigo Signal Hill , Calgary, Alberta

Book signing for RUNNING TO THE EDGE from 11.00am to 4.00pm

November 23, 2016 - St. Mary's University , Calgary, Alberta

University book launch of RUNNING TO THE EDGE from 7.00pm to 9.00pm

November 20, 2016 - Eau Claire Market , Calgary, Alberta

Calgary book launch for RUNNING TO THE EDGE

November 16, 2016 - Elizabeth Barrett School , Cochrane, Alberta

Presetation and book signing for RUNNING TO THE EDGE

November 12, 2016 - Cochrane Public Library - Book Launch , Cochrane, Alberta

Home Town book launch and presentaion for RUNNING TO THE EDGE

October 20, 2016 - Banff Accomodation Association Workshop , Nakoda Lodge, Alberta

"Finish the Race Attitude" Workshop for members of the Morley First Nation Community.

October 11, 2016 - Country Hills Running Room , Calgary, Alberta

Presentation of Ordinary to Extraordinary - Running for Your Life

October 08, 2016 - Cafe Books , Canmore, Alberta

MARATHON QUEST - Book signing

September 30, 2016 - Cochrane Public Library - Writer in Residence , Cochrane, Alberta

Presetation of The Accidental Author - Confessions of a Rookie Non-Fiction Writer

September 29, 2016 - Rotary Club of Calgary Sarcee , Calgary, Alberta

Presentation of Unlock Your Potential - One Step at a Time

September 29, 2016 - Crowfoot Running Room , Calgary, Alberta

Presentation of Ordinary to Extraordinary - Running for Your Life

September 20, 2016 - Kensington Running Room , Calgary, Alberta

Presentation of Unlock Your Potential - One step at a Time.

August 18, 2016 - Glenmore Landing Running Room , Calgary, Alberta

Presentation of Ordinary to Extraordinary - Running for Your Life.

August 12, 2016 - When Words Collide , Calgary, Alberta

Presentation of Captain Clot-Buster: Fiction or Non-Fiction?

June 18, 2016 - Canadian Association of Professional Speakers , Calgary, Alberta

TEDx presentation of Energizing your life and business.

May 28, 2016 - Calgary Marathon Expo , BMO building, Stampede Park, Calgary

Book signing of MARATHON QUEST

May 28, 2016 - Eau Claire Running Room , Calgary, Alberta

Presentation of Unlock Your Potential - One Step at a Time

May 24, 2016 - Glenmore Landing Running Room , Calgary, Alberta

Presentation of Key startegies for Marathon Runners.

May 18, 2016 - Calgary Muslim Marathoners , Eau Claire Market, Calgary

Presenation of Ordinary to Extraordinary - One Step at a Time

May 13, 2016 - Rotary 5360 District Conference , Canmore, Alberta

Unlocking Your Potential

May 11, 2016 - Cochrane Running Club , Cochrane, Alberta

Presentation of Ordinary to Extraordinary - Running for your life

April 14, 2016 - Shawnessy Running Room , Calgary, Alberta

Presentation of Ordinary to Extraordinary - Running for Your Life

April 11, 2016 - Bethany Care Centre , Cochrane, Alberta

Presentation of Ordinary to Extraordinary - One Step at a Time

March 24, 2016 - Alberta Romantic Writers Association , Calgary, Alberta

The Accidental Author-Confessions of a Rookie Non-Fiction Writer

Martin will review his school days struggles with the written English language and his first foray into the world of blogging while cycling across the African continent. He will share with the audience the trials and tribulations of self-publishing three books and finally the surprising twist that led him to have his first book MARATHON QUEST published by Rocky Mountain Books.

Rotary Coastal Quest 630: Presentation on the 29 day run / walk around the 1000km South West Coast Path in England.

May 20, 2014 - Glenmore Landing Running Room , Calgary, Alberta

Ordinary to Extraordinary: Presentation on how I started running at 47, Marathon Quest 250 and Right To Play.

May 15, 2014 - Country Hills Running Room , Calgary, Alberta

Ordinary to Extraordinary: Presentation on how I started running at 47, Marathon Quest 250 and Right To Play.

May 09, 2014 - Crowfoot Running Room , Calgary, Alberta

Ordinary to Extraordinary: Presentation on how I started running at 47, Marathon Quest 250 and Right To Play.

April 29, 2014 - Rotary Club of Cochrane , Cochrane, Alberta

Rotary Coastal Quest 630: Presentation on the 29 day run / walk around the 1000km South West Coast Path in England.

April 10, 2014 - Human Resources Institue of Alberta Keynote , Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Keynote to 400 plus HRIA delegates on "Ordinary to Extraordinary - one step at a time".

March 15, 2014 - Camborne School of Mines Annual Dinner Keynote , Falmouth, Cornwall, UK

Keynote presentation to 500 plus Camborne School of Mines students and alumni on "Dig deep and follow your Dreams".

March 08, 2014 - Rotary Club of Bude , Bude, Cornwall, England

Presentation to Rotary Members and guests on "Quests fo Kids" and "Rotary Coastal Quest 630".

March 04, 2014 - Rotary Coastal Quest 630 , South West England

The goal is to complete the UK’s ultimate challenge for the long distance runner - a 630 mile (1,014 km) quest around the coastline of the southwest peninsula in just 25 days; averaging a distance of marathon a day (26.2 miles) and covering the equivalent elevation of climbing Mount Everest four times over. Start March 4th and finish April 1st.