Jean-Sébastien is not the archetypal couch potato. But by his own account, there came a time in his life when he had to take charge. “It was back in 2017. Me and my partner had just had our third child and as parents, we sometimes tend to forget about each other… A nurse had come to visit me at my workplace. I’ll never forget her saying, ‘You know, the best insurance you have to see your kids grow up is your own health.’ That was the trigger.”

Jean-Sébastien was not a sedentary man, however, and rode his bike a lot. But over the years, in a perfidious way, almost 15 kilos were added to the scale. A high cholesterol level had also crept in. “That was my wake-up call.”

The budding runner began training and enlisted the services of a nutritionist. His first goal: the Montreal Marathon half-marathon. “My first running event in my life! I completed the 21.1 km in 1:51, a time that I have never surpassed since.” This was followed by several other races of various distances that led him to the ultimate event, the marathon.

Then, the idea of combining sports activities and fundraising began to take hold. Jean-Sébastien first participated in a cycling event, collected donations and gave them to the Auberges du Cœur, a group of shelters for troubled and homeless youth that his sister manages. “The practice of sports – including running – has given me a lot, and I wanted to give something back.”

He doesn’t stop there. Through the Foundation of Greater Montreal, he set up his foundation: Azimut. In 2013, he reached the summit of Kilimanjaro with his mountain partner and raised over $20,000. Untiring, this marathon runner with a big heart continues his journey. He then contributed to the “Students in the race” program, a fabulous project that brought young people from various neighborhoods living with all kinds of difficulties to join a training program lasting several months to finally take the start of the Montreal Marathon. Nothing less. “These young people, who get involved and surpass themselves in every way, show exceptional courage.

Untiring, Jean-Sébastien is not about to hang up his shoes. After having teased the mountain during trail races, he plans to participate in many road and trail races, always with the desire to give back to the next one. The Montreal Beneva Marathon is part of his plans.

FINAL SPRINT

Do I run with or without music?

“With”.

After a good training session or a competition, I spoil myself, without guilt, with what dish? 

“A second breakfast.

Do I ever run on a treadmill? 

“Never.

What running event do I want to participate in?

“The New York City Marathon.

A runner who inspires me. 

“My spouse, she is so much more consistent than me.

An inspirational read.

 “Self-portrait of the author as a long-distance runner, by Haruki Murakami”.

In a word, what kind of runner am I? 

“Passionate.