‘Fellow in Yellow’ brings cross-Canada run to southern Alberta

A man dressed in yellow running across Canada to inspire people to get healthy was turning heads on the highway east of Calgary.

Trevor Redmond is easy to spot on the shoulder of the Trans-Canada Highway—he’s the man in yellow, running west with a mission he calls a “run for courage.”

The Halifax-born runner, who spent much of his adult life in Calgary, has logged nearly 35,000 kilometres over three separate treks across the country—first on foot, then by bicycle and now on foot once again.

On Thursday, he was between Gleichen and Strathmore as he continued toward Calgary.

“This is a run for courage,” Redmond said.

“I want people, Canadians, to encourage us to get out, get healthy and, of course, have the courage to go do that yourself.”

Personal journey

Redmond’s journey is personal.

At 15, he was struck by a car and nearly lost his leg.

Multiple surgeries saved it, and he says the health-care investment made in him is why he feels compelled to devote his life to promoting wellness.

“That investment that was made in me produced, well, coming up today, it will be 35,000 kilometres between walking across Canada, biking across Canada and now running across Canada,” he said.

He funds the trip through donations and says people can “buy a kilometre” of the journey to dedicate to themselves or others.

He also raises awareness for the Dollar A Day Foundation, which supports mental-health and addiction programs across Canada.

“The more we move, the more we move others,” Redmond said.

“If actions speak louder than words, then I must be screaming for the amount of kilometres and amount of movement that I’m doing.”

Battling daily challenges

Since beginning this run in Halifax on March 26, 2024, Redmond has travelled through Newfoundland, Ontario, the Prairies and into Alberta. He’s battled injuries, harsh weather and the daily challenge of carrying food and water for long stretches.

“This isn’t an easy thing to do,” he said.

“Discipline is a line between doing too much and doing too little. You really do have to keep discipline in every matter of the thing, especially doing this solo.”

Redmond runs facing traffic, dressed in bright yellow for visibility.

He says the colour has become his identity—the “Fellow in Yellow.”

“The first and foremost reason why I’m the Fellow in Yellow is that fact,” he said.

“But on top of that, why it’s a really perfect fit is I am out to highlight action and motion and being healthy, and what we can accomplish when we put that drive to it.”

Despite setbacks—including injuries in Portage la Prairie, Man., and Bassano, Alta.—Redmond says he’s been sustained by the encouragement of Canadians along the way.

“The land bent and enfolded me like in the makings of a sword,” he said.

“And the people I met gave me the materials to withstand the impact.”

With Calgary now just down the road, Redmond says his message to those who stop to talk is simple: value your health and take the first step toward caring for yourself.

“I want to give an example of how to exercise your minds, your bodies and your spirit,” he said.

“If you appreciate your health and appreciate the health of others, then we create a really healthy nation. And that’s what I want.”

Trevor Redmond’s website can be found here.

His Facebook page can be found here.

And his Instagram page can be found here.