Bishop Mark Hagemoen and a team of five young men will tackle this year’s “Canadian Death Race” at Grand Cache, AB, which features a 118-km course beginning and ending on a 4,200-foot plateau, passing over three mountain summits, with over 17,000 feet of elevation.
The 2025 Canadian Death Race Aug. 2-3, marks the fifth fund-raising run that the Diocese of Saskatoon Catholic Foundation and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon have promoted in support of the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund, beginning with the “Beaver Flat 50” in 2021 and continuing with the Death Race in 2022 at Grande Cache, AB, again in 2023 and last year with two bishops participating in 2024.
Support Bishop Hagemoen’s fund-raising efforts for the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund by going to the Diocese of Saskatoon Catholic Foundation website: dscf.ca/annual-bishops-race.
Runner profiles:
Leg 1 – Bishop Mark Hagemoen
Bishop Mark Hagemoen, pictured during a recent trip to the Vatican, is again leading a team of runners in the Canadian Death Race — which the bishop dubs “the Death … to Life.. Race.” Once again Bishop Hagemoen is running in support of the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund. The team introduces themselves in the article below. (Submitted photo)
Greetings to you all, from Bishop Mark. I serve as the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, and this will be my seventh Death (…to Life…) Race. This is also the 25th anniversary of the Canadian Death Race in Grande Cache, AB, and the 10th anniversary of the conclusion of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings in Canada. Of course, it is also the Great Jubilee Year 2025 of HOPE and MERCY!
It’s an honour to run on behalf of our diocese, along with the other young men on our team as we join together in this “race-pilgrimage.”
This run also represents the long, adventurous, arduous journey of reconciliation and healing, which features much-needed mercy, perseverance, and patience. It is the little things that matter in the long journey of relationship-building.
Participating in this run is perhaps a symbol of the many steps forward on a long journey to what I hope and pray is God’s plan for us all.
Leg 2 – Ronan Gillespie
Ronan Gillespie of Crescent Beach, B.C. attended St. Therese Institute of Faith and Mission in Bruno, SK, this year. He will run Leg 2 for the bishop’s team. (Submitted photo)
I am Ronan Gilliespie. I am 21 years old and I currently living with my family in Crescent Beach B.C. I attended Saint Therese Institute in Bruno, SK, this past year.
This will be my second Canadian Death Race. Unfortunately, my training has not worked out as planned – and I am doing one of the most challenging legs. However, my heart and will are strong, and things are picking up recently.
The race will be a great challenge, but united by faith with these brothers – I am certain that our team will accomplish this great race and pilgrimage.
Leg 3 – Maximilian Connolly
Maximilian Connelly of Lloydminster is running Leg 3 of the race. (Submitted photo)
My name is Maximilian Connelly. I’m a 23-year-old aspiring Catholic speaker living in Lloydminster, AB.
Over the past three years, I’ve had the blessing of attending a Catholic school where my faith was challenged, deepened, and ultimately strengthened. While I’m still very much a newcomer to my Catholicity, I have a deep desire to grow by living it out—through active mission abroad one day, but also through the daily mission I’m called to right now: to work, love, and serve those around me.
I’ve loved sports my whole life, but about three years ago, I discovered running—and it quickly became more than just a way to stay in shape. It’s now both a mental and spiritual tool that helps me find peace, clarity, and connection with God.
I’m especially excited for my second Death Race with Bishop Mark and the team. The first time, I prayed the entire time out of fear—this time, I hope to do the same, but out of joy.
I’m passionate about helping others encounter Christ in everyday life, whether through a talk, a conversation, or even a run. I may just be starting out, but my heart is all in.
Leg 4 – Kieran Gillespie
Kieran Gillespie will run Leg 4 of the Great Canadian Death Race. (Submitted photo)
Hello, my name is Kieran Gillespie! I’m 24 years old and this will be my second Death Race, running once again alongside my brother Ronan.
It’s a race of epic proportions, and the challenge entices me. Pushing my body to its limits, pushing through pain with mental toughness to conquer the wilderness: epic. Here we go for race number two… but I have a different focus this time.
God is writing a story with each of our lives, and I pray that we will be attentive to him in the midst of this journey. It is one of the greatest joys in life to do God’s will alongside my brothers, and as we travel, converse, and pray together. I know God will speak in our hearts. The interior life is the place of the struggle and joy, and thought this race will be physically challenging, the bigger journey will take place within.
Oh man, I wish that I could express in this little bio all that I wish to say. I believe that a RENEWAL of the world will take place through contemplative living. The greatest thing I can do is be faithful and attentive to God in all I do, and He will transform the world. I am excited to discover the ways in which I am called to serve God and His church.
For now, it is the Death Race with my brothers, and the following two-week mission trip to the Northwest Territories.
Please pray for us.
In Christ, Kieran.
Leg 5 – Joseph Cote
Joseph Cote of Terrace, BC, has been attending St. Therese Institute of Faith and Mission in Bruno, SK. He will run Leg 5 of the Great Canadian Death Race on the bishop’s team. (Submitted photo)
Hello! I am Joseph Cote, I am 19 years old, and I live in Terrace BC. I have been a student at St Therese Institute of Faith and Mission in Bruno, SK, for the past two years and am going to be an ‘Apostolic Intern’ there this upcoming year.
I wanted to do this race as I see it as a pilgrimage. God loves to use pilgrimages to challenge me and bring me deeper in my faith and in relationship with Him, so I am using this not only as a way to grow closer to God but grow in a deeper relationship with my brothers in Christ.
“Back Up” – Ryan Mallett
Ryan Mallett, who attended St. Therese Institute of Faith and Mission in Bruno, SK, is the back-up for the team that is tackling the Great Canadian Death Race Aug. 2-3. (Submitted photo)
My name is Ryan Mallett. After completing two years of formation at St. Therese Institute of Faith and Mission in Bruno SK, I took several months’ time for “pilgrimage” in Europe – featuring the Camino de Santiago.
I am now living and working in Lloydminster AB and am preparing for marriage. I am passionate about all thing’s fitness and all things faith. I am very excited for the chance to again participate in this pilgrimage-trek with an amazing group of Catholic men. As with last year, it’s good to have a Bishop along – in case there’s a need to administer the last rites!
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Communications and Catholic Saskatoon News are supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal: dscf.ca/baa.